The American College of Cardiology (ACC) recently announced three distinguished researchers as the recipients of the Abstract Awards at the ACC Asia 2025 Together with the Singapore Cardiac Society (SCS) 36th Annual Scientific Meeting. Held from May 9 to 11 in Singapore, the conference attracted leading cardiovascular experts and clinicians from across Asia, united in their pursuit of advancing cardiac care through innovation and rigorous scientific exploration.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with Asia representing a significant portion of the global burden. The ACC Asia conference serves as a critical platform for the exchange of cutting-edge research, with a focus on region-specific trends, risk factors, and therapeutic strategies. By spotlighting outstanding abstract presentations, the ACC underscores its commitment to transforming cardiovascular care and fostering research that addresses the unique challenges faced in Asian populations.
One of the standout research contributions awarded at the meeting was presented by Dr. Yanji Qu of Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital in Guangzhou, China. Her research delves into the occurrence and longitudinal outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) in offspring born to mothers with either congenital or acquired heart diseases. Utilizing a birth cohort design, Dr. Qu’s study sheds light on the intergenerational impact of maternal cardiovascular conditions, emphasizing the need for early detection and tailored management strategies in this vulnerable demographic.
Equally pivotal was the work led by Dr. Hardik Dineshbhai Desai from the Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences in India. His comprehensive analysis employed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to evaluate regional disparities in ischemic heart disease (IHD) across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Through meticulous epidemiological scrutiny spanning three decades from 1990 to 2021, Dr. Desai’s findings illuminate the dynamic trends and shifting attributable risk factors, which are instrumental in informing region-specific prevention and public health policies.
From South Korea, Dr. Yu Young Kim at Pusan National University Hospital presented groundbreaking insights into the genetic underpinnings of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) among Korean patients. Leveraging next-generation sequencing technologies, his team investigated the impact of pathogenic variants on clinical outcomes. This precision medicine approach not only enhances genetic risk stratification but also paves the way for individualized therapeutic interventions aimed at improving prognosis in DCM, a cardiac condition characterized by ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction.
The ACC Asia meeting in Singapore epitomizes the growing interconnectedness of cardiovascular science across continents, uniting researchers who tackle diverse yet interrelated challenges. Through recognizing exemplary abstracts, the ACC amplifies the dissemination of novel scientific knowledge, fostering collaborations that transcend geographic boundaries. Such initiatives are vital for accelerating the translation of research findings into clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patient care across Asia and beyond.
David Foo, MBBS, FACC, co-chair of the ACC Asia conference and president of the Singapore Cardiac Society, emphasized the critical role of scientific exchange in advancing global heart health. He remarked that the collective efforts witnessed at the meeting not only enhance clinical outcomes within Asia but also contribute substantially to the worldwide cardiology community. The conference thereby functions as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for thought leadership in cardiovascular medicine.
Recipients of the Abstract Award have been granted complimentary registration along with travel support to the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session scheduled for March 28-30, 2026, in New Orleans. This opportunity promises further engagement with the global cardiovascular audience, where the awardees will present their abstracts and have their work published in a special JACC supplement dedicated to the conference. Their participation underscores the importance of continuous academic exchange and the role of high-impact research in shaping future cardiac care paradigms.
The convergence of clinical practice, epidemiology, and molecular genetics represented in these studies highlights the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary cardiovascular research. The maternal-fetal interface in congenital heart disease, the evolving epidemiology of ischemic heart disease, and the genetic determinants of cardiomyopathy collectively embody the spectrum of challenges and innovations within cardiology today. These investigations underscore the necessity of tailoring therapeutic approaches to demographic, genetic, and regional contexts.
Moreover, the research presented reflects a broader trend towards precision cardiovascular medicine, wherein detailed phenotyping and genotyping guide personalized care. The integration of next-generation sequencing in clinical research, as demonstrated in Dr. Kim’s study, exemplifies how advances in genomic technologies are becoming indispensable tools in cardiology, enabling clinicians to move beyond one-size-fits-all treatments to targeted interventions based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup.
The regional focus of Dr. Desai’s work on ischemic heart disease further illustrates the importance of contextual research that considers epidemiological variability. Differences in diet, lifestyle, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors across Asia and Oceania demand nuanced public health strategies. The ability to dissect these complexities through robust data analytics is essential for mitigating the impact of cardiovascular disease at a population level.
Similarly, Dr. Qu’s exploration of maternal heart disease and its influence on neonatal outcomes calls attention to the intersection of obstetrics and cardiology. Her findings advocate for heightened interdisciplinary collaboration and surveillance mechanisms to optimize outcomes for both mothers and their children, potentially informing guideline development and preventive frameworks.
Taken together, the achievements recognized by the ACC not only celebrate individual excellence but also symbolize the dynamic evolution of cardiovascular science in Asia. The region’s growing research footprint demonstrates an increasing capacity to contribute novel insights that resonate globally. Such endeavors are imperative in the quest to curtail the global cardiovascular disease epidemic through evidence-based, innovative, and culturally attuned interventions.
The ACC continues to strengthen its role as a beacon of cardiovascular education and advocacy, empowering a diverse professional community to confront the challenges posed by heart disease. By fostering environments such as the ACC Asia conference, the organization ensures that scientific breakthroughs are disseminated efficiently, clinical skills are honed, and patient outcomes are continually improved. These efforts align seamlessly with the ACC’s vision of a world where knowledge and innovation consistently elevate cardiovascular care.
For those interested in exploring the full agenda and learning more about ACC Asia 2025 Together with SCS, detailed information is accessible on the American College of Cardiology’s official platform. The conference stands as a testament to the vibrant and collaborative spirit driving cardiovascular research and clinical excellence throughout Asia.
Subject of Research: Advances in cardiovascular disease research focusing on congenital heart disease, ischemic heart disease epidemiology, and genetic determinants of dilated cardiomyopathy within Asian populations.
Article Title: The American College of Cardiology Honors Pioneering Cardiovascular Research at ACC Asia 2025 Scientific Meeting
News Publication Date: May 2025
Web References:
https://www.acc.org/Education-and-Meetings/Meetings/Meeting-Items/2024/07/03/2025-Asia
http://www.ACC.org
Keywords: Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Congenital Heart Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Next-Generation Sequencing, Epidemiology, Precision Medicine, Asian Cardiovascular Research, Global Burden of Disease, Maternal Heart Disease, Genetic Variants
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