The global cardiology community will unite for an unparalleled educational experience at ACC 25, taking place from March 29 to 31, 2025, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL.
At ACC 25, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers from around the world and stay at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements in cardiovascular care—working together to transform heart health for all.
The Heart Café fosters an inclusive space where diverse voices—including policymakers, healthcare professionals, individuals living with cardiovascular disease, scientists, and advocates—can freely exchange ideas, debate strategies, and build meaningful collaborations. By bringing together these perspectives, the Heart Café helps shape a dynamic, collective approach to fighting cardiovascular disease on a global scale.
Join us at the World Heart Federation Heart Café, Space #21009 in Hall A, conveniently located next to the ACC International Chapters area at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Saturday, 29 March
Sunday, 30 March
As the global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to rise, the need for coordinated, evidence-based strategies to reduce its human, social, and economic toll grows more urgent than ever. Robust national CVD plans, backed by strong political will and adequate resource allocation, serve as a critical foundation for preventing disease, promoting health, and improving outcomes across all populations. These strategies, when effectively designed and implemented, can strengthen healthcare systems, ensure equitable access to high-quality care, and integrate prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services. By aligning policies, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and leveraging data-driven insights, national CVD plans offer a powerful blueprint for achieving comprehensive cardiovascular health for all.
The discussion will focus on the benefits for countries to develop and implement a national CV health action plan for a more coordinated, well-funded response to CVD. It will also highlight critical elements of a comprehensive plan and discuss strategies for its long-term financial support and sustainability.
Speakers:
Chair - Borjana Pervan
Chair
World Heart Federation, Switzerland
Elijah Ogola
Panelist
Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR), Kenya
Vilma Irazola
Panelist
nstitute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires (IECS), Argentina
Salim S. Virani
Panelist
Aga Khan University, Pakistan
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide, yet significant gaps persist in awareness, research, diagnosis, and treatment. Historically, cardiovascular care has been shaped by data and protocols that often do not account for the unique risk factors and symptoms that women experience. As a result, women are frequently underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underrepresented in clinical research.
This panel will explore the critical steps needed to bridge these gaps and improve cardiovascular care for women. Our discussion will cover disparities in diagnosis and treatment, the role of prevention and early intervention, and the innovations shaping the future of women’s heart health. It will provide an opportunity for thought-provoking discussion, and we encourage all participants to engage with questions and perspectives that drive meaningful change.
Speakers:
Pablo Perel
Chair
World Heart Federation, Switzerland
Athena Poppas
Panelist
Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, USA
Martha Gulati
Panelist
Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, USA
Adriana Cecilia Puente Barragan
Panelist
National Medical Center 20th November Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and premature death worldwide, threatening to undermine decades of progress in public health and development. While global efforts—such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control—have spurred meaningful policy changes
and strengthened enforcement measures, the tobacco industry’s relentless promotion, emerging products, and targeting of vulnerable populations persist. Effective tobacco control requires a multi-faceted approach: integrating robust regulation, evidence-based cessation interventions, widespread education, and sustained political will. This panel will bring together experts and advocates to discuss
current challenges, share success stories from diverse regions, and outline strategies for accelerating comprehensive tobacco control. By examining how best to leverage data, policy, innovation, and cooperation, we can advance toward the ultimate goal of a tobacco-free future for all.
Speakers:
Jeremiah Mwangi
Chair
World Heart Federation, Switzerland
Noreen T. Nazir
Panelist
University of Illinois, USA
David Lloyd
Panelist
National Heart Foundation, Australia
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated workforce shortages, disrupted training, and accelerated the need for digital tools in cardiovascular care. However, it has also showcased resilience, innovation, and collaboration in healthcare delivery. This panel will explore strategies to address workforce gaps and build sustainable systems to train, support, and retain skilled professionals for equitable, high-quality care.
Speakers:
Dorairaj Prabhakaran
Chair
Centre for Chronic Disease Control India, Public Health Foundation of India
Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
Panelist
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
Demilade Adedinsewo
Panelist
Mayo Clinic, USA
The connection between the cardiovascular and nervous systems plays a crucial role in heart health, influencing blood flow, inflammation, and disease progression. Emerging research highlights how brain function and emotional well-being impact cardiovascular risk. This panel will explore new insights and integrated strategies to improve both mental and physical health for better cardiovascular outcomes.
Speakers:
Laurence S Sperling
Chair
Emory University School of Medicine
Laxmi S. Mehta
Panelist
Ohio State University, USA
Adrián Noriega de la Colina
Panelist
McGill University (The Neuro), Canada
Heart failure remains a major global health challenge, affecting millions and straining healthcare systems. Heart failure registries play a crucial role in collecting real-world data on patient demographics, treatments, and outcomes to drive evidence-based decision-making. This panel will explore best practices for leveraging registries to improve care, guide policy, and enhance heart failure management worldwide.
Speakers:
Pablo Perel
Chair
World Heart Federation, Switzerland
Amitava Banerjee
Panelist
University College London, UK
Albertino Damasceno
Panelist
Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
Angela Koh
Panelist
National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore