Newswise — World-leading cardiovascular specialists, researchers, family physicians and the public will learn what’s new in cardiovascular treatment, patient care and research at the second annual Peter Munk Cardiovascular Symposium, Partnerships in Integrative Patient Care, on January 29 and 30 at the Toronto Metropolitan Hotel.

“The symposium is a wonderful opportunity to share our expertise delivering patient-centred cardiovascular care with our community partners,” says Dr. Narinder Paul, Section Chief, Cardiothoracic Imaging at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. “It is also a platform to discuss how we can strengthen the continuum of care, making the patient’s transition from the community to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre a seamless one.”

Patients and the general public are invited to attend an open public forum about how to reduce their risk of getting heart disease. The forum will be led by internationally renowned cardiologist Michael Farkouh from the Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute in New York who is an expert in heart disease, obesity and diabetes. This free public session takes place on Friday January 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Hotel. No registration is required and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Scientific presentations are open to physicians and health care practitioners only and will focus on arterial disease, heart failure, angina and acute coronary syndromes, heart rhythm disturbances and disease prevention. Newly released guidelines for how to manage patients with high blood pressure and cholesterol will be discussed in addition to new information about screening, diagnosis and treatment options.

Notable sessions of interest include:

1. The New Multi-Purpose OR and the Future of Endovascular Surgery. Presented by: Dr. Thomas Lindsey, Friday January 29, 2010 (3:15-3:40 p.m.)

2. Soft Signs of Heart Failure: What the Family Physician needs to look for. Presented by: Dr. Eduardo Azevedo, Saturday January 30, 2010 (9:15-9:40 a.m.)

3. Stable Angina: How to provide maximum cardiovascular protection with pharmaceuticals, vitamins, oils and magic potions. Presented by: Dr. Martin Strauss, Saturday January 30, 2010 (12:10-12:35 p.m.)

Cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of mortality in North America. The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre brings together radiologists, cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons into an integrated team of cardiovascular specialists that combine knowledge and expertise, producing advancements in care that make a global impact. It is a leading referral centre for cardiac patients worldwide, treating more complex and critical condition patients than any other hospital in the GTA.

About The Peter Munk Cardiac CentreThe Peter Munk Cardiac Centre is the premier cardiac centre in Canada. Since it opened in 1997, the Centre has saved and improved the lives of cardiac patients from around the world. Each year, approximately 17,000 patients receive the innovative and compassionate care from the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre’s multidisciplinary heart team. In addition, the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre trains more cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons than any hospital in Canada. The Centre is based at Toronto General Hospital – a member of University Health Network, which also includes Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. All three are research hospitals affiliated with the University of Toronto.