STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – The first day of the European Congress of Cardiology is usually
dedicated to symposia related to different fields: diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic. This year,
during the 19th edition of the congress, held in Stockholm, the symposium sponsored by Knoll
Pharmaceutical Spa was one that surely stood out, both for the names of the speakers and for
the interesting subjects covered.
The aim of the symposium, entitled "New Insights into the Pathogenesis and Management of
Coronary Artery Disease," was a state-of-the-art look at the current knowledge in the areas of
ischemic cardiopathy and hypertension. Dr. K.B. Swedberg, doubtless one of the most well-
recognised Swedish cardiologists, and Dr. E. Braunwald, who may be considered one of the
fathers of modern cardiology, were invited to chair the meeting.
Dr. Braunwald began by reviewing recent progresses in the area of reduction of mortality due to
vascular diseases. He was followed by Dr. B. Trimarco, who covered the broad subjects of
hypertension and cardiac ischemic disease, including the common mechanisms that set off these
conditions, such as the activation of the sympathetic system.
Dr. K. B. Swedberg touched on the implications of hypertension and coronary disease on the
neuroendocrine system. He was followed by Dr. L. Opie, who outlined our current knowledge on
the prophylactic pharmacotherapy in the ischemic population.
Later, Dr. C.J. Pepine, from Miami, FL., discussed the current ongoing and completed major
trials in the area of secondary prevention. He discussed in great detail the INVEST (Internationl
Verapamil/Trandolapril Study) which aims to evaluate the effects of verapamil alone and in
combination with trandolapril on mortality in 27,000 hypertensive patients with documented
coronary disease (TARKA) compared with beta-blocker therapy (plus diuretic in non-responders).
The INVEST study will begin in the Fall in centres worldwide.
Dr. M. Pfeffer discussed the large trials currently ongoing involving angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. He described the PEACE study, in progress in United States and
sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect on
mortality of trandolapril in combination with standard therapy in patients with ischemic
cardiopathy.
Dr. Braunwald concluded the meeting with his review of the evolution in the last few decades of
our pharmacologic armamentarium in this therapeutic area. He also looked forward to future
findings from major trials and genetics that will help us to improve the quality and quantity of our
lives.
