ARLINGTON, Texas – The American Society of Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) recently convened for its annual Congress on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevention, where distinguished cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati delivered an impassioned plea for prioritizing preventive cardiology in the realm of healthcare. As the President of the ASPC and an esteemed figure in the field, Dr. Gulati stressed the urgency of working together to enhance the health of individuals even before the onset of disease.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Gulati underscored the escalating significance of preventive cardiology, asserting that it has become “more important than ever.” With the world grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of cardiovascular risk factors in determining disease outcomes has been brought to the forefront. Despite this heightened awareness, both CVD mortality and the burden of cardiovascular risk factors have continued to rise in the United States.
“One of the prevailing issues we face is that in the hierarchy of cardiology, prevention is still considered somewhat lower, even though it should be our top priority,” stated Dr. Gulati.”Congress has passed bills zeroed in on CVD counteraction that are more established than a large number of us, yet we have not concurred it the need it merits in our medical care framework. We are working on changing that, and it is the ASPC’s goal.”
In light of the pressing need for proactive measures, the ASPC has experienced a significant surge in its membership, growing from around 400 members to over 1,500 during the past six years, indicating a strong inclination among healthcare providers towards preventive care. This upward trend also reflects a broader shift in the healthcare industry, with an increasing focus on prevention as a crucial aspect of overall health management.
Looking to amplify their impact, the ASPC is actively seeking “partners in prevention,” not just within the nation but on an international level as well. Collaborating on educational initiatives, professional conferences, and clinical guidelines, the ASPC aims to integrate preventive measures into the broader landscape of global healthcare.
“Prevention should not exist in isolation; we aspire to collaborate with other partners and build bridges where prevention is deemed indispensable,” emphasized Dr. Gulati.
The ASPC has been fostering collaborations with other prominent professional societies, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, jointly publishing clinical practice statements to guide prevention efforts in the U.S. However, Dr. Gulati asserted that much more work is needed, especially in incorporating social determinants of health into preventive care with a sharp focus on health equity.
During the congress, Dr. Gulati called upon attendees to contemplate the future of preventive care and urged them to address essential questions concerning equity in cardiovascular care. “As our entire healthcare system transitions to value-based care and we measure quality in our institutions, prevention should be at the forefront. We should be spearheading and leading these initiatives,” she asserted.
The rallying call to prioritize preventive cardiology marks a pivotal step towards building a healthier society. By joining forces and ensuring equitable access to preventive care, healthcare professionals have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and foster a future where proactive health management takes precedence. As the ASPC continues to grow and collaborate with like-minded organizations, the vision of preventive cardiology leading the charge in healthcare could soon become a reality.
