Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, Delivers Inaugural World Heart Federation Oration Lecture Honoring His Prestigious Contribution to Cardiovascular Science

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Mount Sinai’s Dr. Fuster to Deliver Landmark Address on Global Heart Health

Madrid, Spain – August 28, 2025 – Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, President of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, has been selected to deliver the inaugural World Heart Federation (WHF) Oration. The prestigious lecture will take place Saturday, August 30, during the European Society of Cardiology Congress and WHF World Congress of Cardiology in Madrid.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Cardiovascular Care

Dr. Fuster’s address will focus on the critical importance of promoting cardiovascular health worldwide, with a particular emphasis on early detection and education for younger generations. according to the WHF, approximately 80 percent of cardiovascular disease cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the need for a globally-focused approach to prevention and treatment.

“We must think globally about health and education,” Dr.Fuster stated. He also serves as Physician-in-Chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital and General director of Spain’s Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares.

Recognizing a Leader in the Field

Jagat Narula,MD,PhD,FESC,President of the World heart Federation,lauded Dr. Fuster’s unparalleled commitment to advancing cardiovascular science. “His lifelong advocacy for global heart health makes him an inspiring figure to launch this tradition,” Dr. Narula said. He emphasized the significance of holding the inaugural lecture in Dr. Fuster’s native Spain.

the WHF anticipates the annual Oration will become a central event at future World Congresses of Cardiology. Dr. Narula noted dr. Fuster’s contributions to both the prevention and treatment of heart disease are considerable and will inspire future honorees.

A Legacy of Innovation at Mount Sinai

Since becoming Director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Mount Sinai in 1994, Dr. Fuster has transformed the institution into a global leader in cardiovascular care. He established Mount sinai Heart in 2006 and spearheaded its evolution into the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, renowned for its advanced research and clinical excellence.

Dr. Fuster’s research has also led to innovative treatments, including a cardiovascular “polypill” designed to prevent secondary cardiovascular events after a heart attack. This polypill, which combines three medications into a single dose, has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality by 33 percent and was recently added to the World Health Institution’s List of Essential Medicines, pending FDA approval in the United states.

Past Accolades and Continued impact

Dr. Fuster’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Prince of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research in 1996 and the Grand Prix Scientifique of the Institute of France in 2011. He was recently named a Prince Mahidol Award Laureate in Thailand, and the American College of Cardiology established the “Valentin Fuster Award in Science and Innovation” in 2022. He also holds the WHF’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals nationally and globally for cardiology and heart surgery, currently holding the No. 2 position nationally according to U.S. News & World report® and No. 6 globally according to Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Specialized Hospitals.”

Award	Year
Prince of Asturias Award	1996
Grand Prix Scientifique	2011
Prince Mahidol Award	Recent
WHF Lifetime Achievement Award	Ongoing

Understanding the Global Burden of Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide,accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. Early detection, preventative measures, and accessible treatment are paramount to reducing this burden. Did You Know? A healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 50 percent.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your cardiovascular health and discuss any potential risk factors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiovascular Health

• What is the biggest risk factor for heart disease? High blood pressure is a major risk factor,but lifestyle choices like diet and exercise also play a notable role.
• How can I improve my heart health? adopting a healthy lifestyle,including a balanced diet,regular exercise,and avoiding smoking,can significantly reduce your risk.
• what does Dr. Fuster’s research focus on? Dr. Fuster’s work centers around preventing heart attacks and improving treatment for those who have already experienced cardiovascular events.
• Why is global heart health importent? The majority of cardiovascular disease deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries,highlighting the need for equitable access to care and prevention programs.
• What is a cardiovascular polypill? It’s a single pill combining multiple medications to prevent secondary cardiovascular events, reducing mortality rates.

What are your thoughts on the importance of global collaboration in addressing heart disease? Share your comments below!

How did Dr. Fuster’s research change the focus of cardiovascular disease treatment from traditional methods?

A Landmark Event in Cardiovascular Medicine

On August 28, 2025, the World Heart Federation (WHF) hosted its inaugural oration lecture, a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing groundbreaking achievements in cardiovascular science. The honor was bestowed upon Dr. Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, a globally renowned cardiologist and pioneer in the field of heart disease prevention and treatment. This lecture marked a notable moment, not only for Dr. Fuster but for the entire cardiology community.

Dr. Fuster’s Pioneering Research & Contributions

Dr. Fuster’s career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of understanding the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. His research has fundamentally altered how we approach cardiovascular health and has directly translated into improved patient outcomes. Key areas of his work include:

Plaque Vulnerability: Dr.Fuster’s research significantly advanced our understanding of vulnerable plaques – those moast likely to rupture and cause heart attacks.He pioneered techniques for assessing plaque composition and stability, moving beyond simply measuring the degree of artery blockage.

Inflammation & Cardiovascular Disease: He has been a leading voice in recognizing the critical role of inflammation in the growth and progression of heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. This has led to investigations into anti-inflammatory therapies.

Genetic Predisposition to Heart disease: Dr. Fuster’s work explores the genetic factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches to cardiac care.

Lifestyle & Prevention: A strong advocate for preventative cardiology, Dr. Fuster emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications – diet, exercise, and stress management – in reducing cardiovascular risk.

The Inaugural World Heart Federation Oration: Key Themes

The inaugural oration, delivered to a packed audience of leading cardiologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals, focused on the future of cardiovascular prevention. Dr. fuster outlined a vision for a proactive, personalized approach to heart health, leveraging advancements in:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning: Utilizing AI to analyze vast datasets of patient facts to predict cardiovascular risk and tailor treatment plans.

Digital Health Technologies: The role of wearable sensors, mobile apps, and telehealth in remote patient monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular events.

Genomics & Precision Medicine: Applying genomic information to identify individuals at high risk and develop targeted therapies.

Global cardiovascular Health Equity: Addressing disparities in access to cardiovascular care worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Dr.Fuster’s Leadership Roles & Impact

Beyond his research, Dr. Fuster has held numerous leadership positions that have shaped the landscape of cardiovascular medicine:

Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): during his tenure, he championed research into preventative cardiology and the underlying causes of heart disease.

Physician-in-chief of the Mount Sinai Heart: He has built Mount sinai Heart into a world-renowned centre for cardiovascular care and research.

Founder of the Fundación Española del corazón (Spanish Heart Foundation): Dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health in Spain through research, education, and advocacy.

Benefits of Dr. Fuster’s Research for Patients

The impact of Dr. Fuster’s work extends directly to patients. His research has contributed to:

Improved Diagnostic Techniques: More accurate assessment of plaque vulnerability, leading to earlier intervention.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies: Development of new drugs and therapies targeting inflammation and other key pathways in cardiovascular disease.

Enhanced Preventative Measures: Greater emphasis on lifestyle modifications and early detection of risk factors.

Reduced Cardiovascular Mortality: Ultimately, contributing to a decline in heart attacks and strokes.

Real-World Example: The Impact of Plaque Assessment

Traditionally, doctors focused on the stenosis (narrowing) of arteries. Dr. Fuster’s work shifted the focus to the characteristics of the plaque itself. A seemingly less-obstructed plaque can be far more dangerous if it’s unstable and prone to rupture.This led to the development of technologies like Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), allowing doctors to visualize plaque composition inside the arteries, guiding treatment decisions and preventing catastrophic events.

Resources for Further Information

World Heart federation: https://www.worldheart.org/

Mount Sinai Heart: https://www.mountsinai.org/health/departments/heart

**National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHL