The largest global gathering of cardiologists, held in the heart of Madrid at the IFEMA congress center, brought together more than 35,000 participants from around the world.
What makes the ESC Congress the most important event in cardiology?
The ESC Congress (European Society of Cardiology Congress) is considered the central meeting place for leading experts in cardiology and cardiovascular research. Each year, the latest guidelines, results of global clinical trials, innovations in digital medicine, and advanced therapeutic methods that are changing practice worldwide are presented.
This year’s congress in Madrid was particularly significant because the focus was on the theme “Global Health: Cardiology Beyond Borders”. The emphasis was on international cooperation and the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death worldwide.
Additional value was added to the congress by numerous sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence in cardiology, prevention in young patients, digital health platforms, and advanced methods in interventional cardiology.
Participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Dr. Milan Gluhović on the Global Stage
Among hundreds of speakers, Dr. Milan Gluhović, internist-cardiologist and active member of the Association of Cardiologists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly stood out. Dr. Gluhović was invited to speak on the prestigious Global Stage platform, where countries and experts contributing to the global fight against cardiovascular diseases are presented.
In his presentation, he highlighted alarming data on the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains among the countries with the highest mortality rates from these diseases in Europe. He emphasized that the key to the solution lies in early prevention, strengthening healthcare, and educating the population.
Key topics and strategies presented by Dr. Gluhović
During the presentation, Dr. Gluhović spoke about priority public health goals and long-term strategies actively implemented by the Association of Cardiologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Improving screening programs – especially for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, which are the most common risk factors.
- Promoting healthy lifestyle habits – combating sedentary behavior, encouraging healthier nutrition, and reducing tobacco use.
- Connecting primary and secondary care – faster diagnostics, digital systems, and more efficient information exchange.
- Continuous education of healthcare professionals – symposia, workshops, and professional activities aligned with European standards.
- Developing cardiovascular disease registries – crucial for monitoring trends and planning public health interventions.
His presentation generated great interest among participants, once again demonstrating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to international cooperation and cardiovascular prevention.
In the video below, you can watch part of our expert’s presentation.
What marked the ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid?
The congress was marked by numerous technological and medical innovations. The following innovations and topics were particularly highlighted:
- New ESC guideline for heart failure – introducing modernized therapeutic recommendations.
- Digital cardiology – AI algorithms for the early detection of arrhythmias and coronary artery disease.
- Advanced approaches in interventional cardiology – new stents, robotics, and minimally invasive procedures.
- Prevention programs for the younger population – a response to increasingly frequent early cardiovascular risks.
- Global comparisons of healthcare systems – presenting models of good practice from Scandinavia, Japan, and Canada.
Thanks to its rich program, Madrid became the center of world cardiology this year, and the congress attracted more than 4,000 research papers and presentations.
Dr. Gluhović’s impressions and the significance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation
“This was an opportunity to present the work of our Association, but also to emphasize the importance of joint action in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Our mission is clear – prevention, early detection, and modern treatment must be priorities if we want to reduce the high burden of heart disease in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Dr. Gluhović after his presentation.
His participation further confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina has experts who follow European trends and actively contribute to the global cardiology community.
The congress as motivation for further development of cardiology in Bosnia and Herzegovina
ESC Congress 2025 brought valuable knowledge and experience that will benefit healthcare institutions and professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participation of local cardiologists represents a step forward in:
- modernization of cardiology diagnostics,
- implementation of new therapeutic protocols,
- strengthening international cooperation,
- launching new prevention and education projects.
This represents a strong incentive to improve healthcare and raise awareness of the importance of preventing heart disease in Bosnia and Herzegovina.