In association with SHARP (Scottish Heart and Arterial Risk Prevention)

When: Wednesday 7 - Friday 9 July 2010
Where: Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland

THE conference for medical, scientific, student and patient attendees with an interest in cardiovascular disease, lipids, atherosclerosis, cholesterol conditions and nutrition.

INTRODUCTION:

The 24th Annual Conference of HEART UK, hosted in association with SHARP, will in 2010 be held at the Edinburgh Conference Centre, located at Heriot-Watt University, some 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.

For more information on SHARP and its initiatives visit:
www.heartscotland.org

Combining plenary sessions, clinical presentations, interactive sessions, panel discussions and case studies, the theme of the conference will be on recent advances in our understanding of high density lipoproteins and the many novel functions which have been identified in addition to its well established role in reverse cholesterol transport.

With keynote lectures from national and international experts covering the most important concepts from the basic biology of HDL, its origin, structure and anti-atherogenic effects to the challenge of HDL heterogeneity, principles of HDL measurement and its and role cardiovascular risk assessment which remains pivotal to cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.

The programme, which will be suitable for primary and secondary care clinicians and scientists alike, will also provide a comprehensive, state of the art overview of recent and ongoing clinical trials of HDL raising therapies, highlighting future challenges in establishing HDL modification as a strategy for atherosclerosis treatment and prevention.

Topics to be covered:

• Epidemiology of HDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular risk
• Investigation of low HDL-cholesterol
• HDL, apolipoproteins and inflammation
• Anti-oxidant capacity of HDL
• Clinical trials of HDL raising therapy - are we there yet?
• Anti-atherogenic effects of HDL
• Interactive clinical case session
• Balloon Debate: Treating to targets - what next after statins?
• Health Care and Patients: Health checks - assessing and managing global cardiovascular risk

Wednesday evening opening keynote confirmed:
Nicola Sturgeon
Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing,
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Keynote Myant Lecture:
Professor Paul Durrington, Manchester, UK
“HDL: Still elusive, perhaps illusive”

The Edinburgh Conference Centre at Heriot Watt University offers a compact conference venue, negating the need to walk outdoors between meeting rooms and so allowing participants the chance to get the most out of the networking time with friends and colleagues as well being able to easily move between parallel sessions.

The conference will officially open with an opening keynote on Wednesday evening followed by a complimentary welcome drinks and buffet reception. This is a popular time to meet up with colleagues and acquaint your self with the venue for the following days programming activity.

The social programme concludes with a conference dinner on site at the University on Thursday evening.

With a diverse exhibition including representation from the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and nutrition industries, delegates will enjoy plentiful time to chat to industry during the daily refreshment and lunch-time breaks.

This event will benefit healthcare professionals covering a wide range of disciplines. Whether you are a member of HEART UK, or are yet undecided on whether to join, you are welcome to attend. There are of course benefits to attending as a member, not least with a reduced registration fee, and these are detailed under the registration page.

Patients are once again encouraged to attend and understand more about the charity; learn about cholesterol topics from doctors, nurses and patients and network with charity representatives, staff and healthcare professionals.

What delegates said about the 2009 conference entitled "The Lipid Hypothesis on Trial" which took place in Liverpool from 24-26 June this year.

"As always a combination of good talks, breaking science and friendly networking."

"A good chance to network and get up to date with what's happening in the lipid world and hear about good research work."

"There is something for everyone!"

Wifi and Internet access is available within the conference halls.

Why not combine your time in Scotland with a mini break? Various web links which you may find of use are listed under the Directions page below.

We do hope that you will be able to attend.

Dr Dermot Neely	Dr Bob Finnie
Chair of Medical Scientific & Research Committee	Co-chairman
HEART UK	SHARP