ESC National Societies Cardiovascular Journals Editors´ Network Championing cardiovascular health innovation in Europe

The Cardiovascular Round Table (CRT)[1] is an independent forum established by the European Society of Cardiology to facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge between cardiologists and representatives of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Its purpose is to provide a non-commercial environment within which experts can freely discuss future issues in cardiovascular medicine and consider the merits of new diagnostics and treatment techniques. The CRT is concerned that a new epidemic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is gaining ground in Europe as a result of the growing prevalence of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, and comes at a time when support for innovation in cardiovascular medicine is waning. The epidemic represents a massive challenge in terms of managing avoidable disease and death, but it is also a huge opportunity for EU universities, companies, and healthcare providers to be at the forefront of a global response.