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Bayer HealthCare participated in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress not only with a scientific satellite symposium but also with an attractive booth. "Pathways to Prevention" was the general theme of Bayer HealthCare activities at the ESC, which was symbolised by dominos. The Bayer HealthCare Cardiovascular Risk Management products and Diagnostics were both promoted at the booth. This synergistic approach underlined the important role of Bayer HealthCare in the field of cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention.
Bayer HealthCare assembled an eminent faculty of international experts for the Bayer HealthCare satellite symposium. In line with the overall motto, the experts focused on the topic: "Reducing Cardiovascular Risk – Pathways to Prevention". The interest in the satellite was exceptionally good; several of the 300 delegates were even happy to sit on the floor!
The Bayer HealthCare satellite symposium was chaired by Professor Soler-Soler from Spain who, together with his co-chairmen Professors Poole-Wilson (UK) and Lüscher (Switzerland), led the delegates through the two sessions and discussions.
Professor Whelton (US) gave an overview of different total risk assessment calculations by doctors or by patient self-assessment using specially designed websites.
Professor Mancia (Italy) focused on the treatment of hypertension, which is widely recognised as a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Treatment should be started at blood pressure levels of 140/90mmHg, and values of <130/85mmHg should be the target because these have been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In high-risk patients, combination therapy with different antihypertensive agents should be considered, as well as antiplatelet treatment with Aspirin® Cardio to further reduce cardiovascular risk.
Professor Lüscher underlined the important role of endothelial cells in cardiovascular disease progression and how they are modified by cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes. He presented the favourable results of the ENCORE trial demonstrating that Adalat® (nifedipine GITS) has a positive effect on the restoration and function of the endothelium.
Professor Poole-Wilson addressed the issue that, although the progression of coronary heart disease can be delayed, a curative therapy is not available. Although several international studies have provided data to further our understanding of this disease, more data are necessary. ACTION (A Coronary Disease Trial Investigating Outcome with Nifedipine GITS) is expected to provide outcome data that will show the clinical benefits of the blood-pressure-lowering and vascular-protective properties of Adalat®. The ACTION results will be presented in 2004 at the ESC in Munich.
Professor Rydén (Sweden) highlighted that reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes requires close cooperation between diabetologists and cardiologists. Diabetologists need to be aware that their patients are likely to develop cardiovascular complications and cardiologists need to diagnose and address metabolic disorders as concomitant risk factors for underlying cardiovascular disease. Professor Rydén mentioned the outstanding results of the STOP-NIDDM trial showing the additional benefits of the oral antidiabetic drug Glucobay® in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Professor De Caterina (Italy) gave a comprehensive overview of the clinical data supporting the benefit of Aspirin® Cardio in secondary prevention. Favourable results from meta-analyses show that Aspirin® Cardio prevents serious vascular events, arterial occlusion and venous thromboembolism in a wide range of patients at high risk of occlusive vascular events. Furthermore, Aspirin® Cardio is also recommended for primary prevention. A major task for experts will be to convince Health Authorities to extend the list of indications accordingly.
Professor Verheugt (The Netherlands) summarised the importance of Aspirin® Cardio in daily practice. He gave some insights into the history of the drug, which was first developed more than 100 years ago as an antipyretic and analgesic agent. Today, Aspirin® Cardio is well known and accepted as the most cost-effective agent for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.
