Adding Healthspan Beyond Lifespan
Highlights from the 35th SCS Annual Scientific Meeting
PULSE Issue 43 | July 2024
Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of Singapore Cardiac Society (SCS)
Started in 1958 by a group of specialists with a special interest in Cardiology, SCS aims to advance the knowledge and practice of cardiovascular medicine to maintain a high level of cardiac care in Singapore, promoting research and publications of medical and scientific works, alongside regional and international collaboration in cardiovascular medicine. To empower healthcare providers and allied professionals in providing holistic patient care, the 35th ASM provided opportunities for education in cardiovascular disease prevention, and interaction across care centres and regions to collaborate in clinical care strategies and research.
Focusing on Healthspan Beyond Lifespan
This year’s theme, “Adding Healthspan Beyond Lifespan” focused on optimising health metrics and quality of life for the ageing population through cardiovascular innovations, delivered in the opening address by Dr Colin Yeo, Organising Chairman of the SCS ASM committee, along with Dr Sim Hui Wen, Scientific Chairwoman of the SCS ASM committee and Consultant, Dept. of Cardiology, NUHCS, Dr David Foo, President of SCS, and Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong. The new American College of Cardiology (ACC) President, Cathleen Biga MSN, FACC, who chaired the joint ACC-SCS session on ‘From the Frontline: Navigating the Challenges of Resuscitation and Sudden Cardiac Deaths’, graced this meeting as well.
Key Discussions and Innovations
Throughout the conference, an array of pressing topics such as management of hyperkalemia1 in heart failure, advancements in cardiovascular imaging, current perspectives on lipidology2, lifelong management of patients with aortic stenosis3, and core concepts in conduction system pacing4, were covered in various presentation styles. The participation and energy were palpable over the two days, especially during the clinical trialists’ breakout session, state-of-the-art cardiovascular care delivery talks, and joint sessions with our fellow cardiothoracic surgeons, nursing and allied health colleagues.
Demonstrating Forefront Research
The SCS ASM provided a platform for cardiologists to present cutting-edge research and exchange insightful feedback within the local cardiology community. Highlights included the Young Investigator Award (YIA) and Free Paper Abstract Presentation sessions. This year, NUHCS excelled, securing four out of five free paper prizes. Notably, the team behind the STARFALL-HF team, led by Dr Wesley Yeung, Senior Resident, Dept. of Cardiology, NUHCS, won the first prize for their latest work on using machine learning to predict left ventricular systolic dysfunction5 from Electrocardiograms (ECGs). This achievement, supported by NUHCS funding, underscores the commitment to advancing cardiovascular care through several years of data gathering, modelling and analysis.
Honouring Excellence in Cardiology
A/Prof James Yip, Executive Director, NUHCS, provided the citation to this year’s Singapore Cardiac Society Lifetime Achievement Award 2024, Dr Lim Yean Teng. A multi-rounded cardiologist and inspiring leader, he was the recipient of the National Day Commendation Medal for Overcoming SARS and the Courage Star Award in 2003. He is also the Chairman of numerous national-level committees and a founding co-director of AICT-EuroPCR, who has authored over a hundred peer-reviewed journals and abstracts.
With anticipation to witness the emergence of fresh research and cutting-edge innovations tailored to Singapore’s healthcare landscape, NUHCS looks forward to the 36th SCS ASM.
1. Hyperkalemia: A medical condition where one has an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood, causing irregular heart palpitations.
2. Lipidology: A specialised study of diagnosis and treatment of lipid disorders and lipoproteins in the body.
3. Aortic stenosis: A condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta and the rest of the body.
4. Conduction system pacing: A technique in cardiac pacing that involves implantation of permanent pacing leads to stimulate the cardiac conduction system.
5. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction: A condition in which the left ventricle of the heart does not contract effectively, leading to less blood circulation throughout the body.
