EHRA 2023: the hottest science in heart rhythm disorder

Barcelona, Spain and online 16 to 18 April. Discover what’s new and on the horizon in the prevention and treatment of heart rhythm disorders at EHRA 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Featuring more than 120 scientific sessions with cutting-edge findings and lively debates on contemporary issues in heart rhythm management. Digital health takes centre stage in numerous sessions examining the use of digital twins, avatars , wearables and remote monitoring to improve care for patients with arrhythmias.1-3 Professor Andrea Sarkozy, EHRA Scientific Programme Co-Chairperson, said: “ Electrophysiologists were early adopters of digital innovations, for example in arrhythmia screening and follow-up. Wearable devices are an important evolution as they lead to more patient involvement and patient centred care. Remote monitoring became more widespread during the pandemic and will undoubtedly become standard practice in the near future. The field continues to advance, with exciting developments on the use of digital twins and avatars.” Also on the agenda: artificial intelligence (AI) for the detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation.4,5 Professor Serge Boveda, EHRA Scientific Programme Chairperson, said: “AI is an intense area of research that holds great promise for the diagnosis and management of arrhythmias. For example, computerised identification of standard and novel ablation target sites has the potential to significantly improve the success of this treatment.” Focus on sudden death: sessions dedicated to young patients, sportspeople, and new strategies for prevention.6-8 “Cardiogenetics is taking important steps towards avoiding sudden death in young people, for example by early identification of patients with genetic mutations or arrhythmias,” said Professor Sarkozy. “ AI is pushing the boundaries in the fight against sudden death by using electrocardiogram (ECG) findings to pinpoint those at risk. Screening athletes for potentially lethal mutations is controversial: hear up-to-date evidence for and against this prevention strategy.” Not to miss: gender disparities in device therapy.9 Professor Sarkozy said: “Women are still underrepresented in trials and as a consequence are treated based on the results of studies including mostly men. Sustainability report: multiple sessions exploring what this means for the medical specialty of heart rhythm disturbances including reuse of catheters, safety and economics.11-14 “In today’s world of environmental, economic and social crisis each part and layer of society should take responsibility, including the electrophysiology community,” said Professor Boveda. “We will explore what is possible from a regulatory perspective and hear from trailblazing European centres.”Innovation is central to the congress: don’t miss the simulation village for a first look at sophisticated tools and the EHRA innovation summit for a glimpse of how unmet needs might be addressed in the near future. This year’s congress theme celebrates the 20th anniversary of EHRA. Professor Boveda said: “Stay tuned for a special session in which we look at the past, present and future of heart rhythm disorders. 20 Prominent electrophysiologists will share their lifelong learning and pioneering experience that has improved the lives of many patients with arrhythmias.”