European Society of Cardiology

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is a non-profit knowledge-based professional association that facilitates the improvement and harmonization of standards of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The ESC produces, organizes and supports many scientific and educational activities and products aimed at cardiology professionals wishing to increase their knowledge and update their skills.

The ESC was founded in 1950 and its headquarters are located in Sophia Antipolis in the South of France. The first European Congress of Cardiology was held in London in September 1952 and it has now become the ESC Congress, the largest annual medical meeting in Europe.

Structure

The ESC currently comprises 56 National Cardiac Societies, from across Europe and the Mediterranean region, 6 Associations, 15 Working Groups and 5 Councils, covering different sub-specialties of cardiology. Activities reach far beyond the boundaries of Europe, however, and our nearly 90 000 members come from all over the world. The ESC also maintains close ties to 36 Affiliated Cardiac Societies world-wide.