Introduction

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the First Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Primary Care Cardiovascular Society (EPCCS) to be held on October 20 and 21, 2008 in Amsterdam.

This First Annual Scientific Meeting will be an important step of the EPCCS to expand our educational activities and accomplish our important mission that is focussed on the crucial role of primary care physicians in addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular disease.
Most patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, heart failure and acute coronary syndromes, as well as cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, are managed in primary care.

The EPCCS, affiliated to WONCA Europe, the world organisation of family doctors, has been established by a Pan-European working group to specifically meet the educational and information needs of General Practitioners, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

The scientific program aims to review the latest research and clinical data, evaluate the implications of these developments for improved care in patients, discuss the latest guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and exchange experience and best practice.

The programme will include state-of-the-science lectures, symposia, presentations of original research conducted in primary care in Europe, workshops, Meet-the-Expert sessions and Satellite symposia.

As health care professional involved in the management of cardiovascular patients in primary care this cardiovascular disease clinical masterclass is an educational program you ca not miss. We look forward to welcome you as participant at this First Annual Scientific Meeting.

Prof. Richard Hobbs
Chairman EPCCS
Chairman of EPCCS Scientific Organising Committee
Professor and Head of Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK