The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) will sponsor its 20th Annual Scientific Sessions on Saturday, March 24, 2007, at the Sheraton New Orleans, in New Orleans, La. The half-day conference, Compelling Issues in Cardiovascular Diseases 2007: Diabetes, New Imaging Technologies and Devices, will focus on new concepts, guidelines, and advances in cardiovascular medicine, incorporating the particular needs and treatment options for high-risk populations. Special emphasis will be placed on:
• the latest research on the management of diabetes, including cardiometabolic risk, incretin hormones and microvascular complications;
• new and emerging pharmacologic therapies for type 2 diabetes;
• the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stents for treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in persons with diabetes;
• appropriate therapies to achieve high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals based on recent clinical trials evidence, including data on torcetrapib;
• new imaging techniques for early assessment and risk stratification of CAD;
• the risks and benefits of newer medications and interventional procedures for treating atrial fibrillation;
• the current status and future directions for preventing sudden cardiac death.

As cardiovascular disease threatens to explode in developing countries, Dr Eligah S.N. Ogola, Chairman for the Department of Medicine at College of Health Sciences at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, will address the issue of primary prevention in emerging societies. The widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath crippled the healthcare infrastructure in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. As such, Dr David Satcher, former US Surgeon General, will address the continuing challenges facing this region in this year’s Dr Daniel D. Savage Memorial Lecture.

In addition to the excellent scientific program, participants can expect to receive up to six (6) hours of CME credit. There is no registration fee; however, pre-registration is required. For more information about the ABC program, visit www.abcardio.org or contact cme@abcardio.org.