WELCOME
FROM IRELAND
In a rapidly changing world the role of rehabilitation
processes and secondary prevention in enhancing the outcome for patients
with cardiovascular diseases has become manifest. It is now readily acknowledged
that coronary disease will become even more prevalent throughout the world
in the first twenty years of this new century. The many therapeutic strategies
which have been developed have yielded a large population of patients
requiring long-term management.
The resulting financial burden impinging on scare healthcare resources
is daunting. Therefore, any strategy which can assist patients to reduce
or delay morbidity is deserving of support.
The concepts embodied in cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention
have been shown to impact favourably in terms of the compression of morbidity.
We in Ireland, therefore, who have a significant problem with coronary
artery disease, welcome the opportunity to provide a forum in the year
2004 at which it is to be hoped new and exciting concepts advancing the
frontiers of this discipline will have evolved.
I look forward to welcoming you all to Dublin which I have no doubt will
offer an appropriate setting for the furtherance of these worthy goals.
John H. Horgan M.D.
EUROPEAN SOCIETY
OF
CARDIOLOGY
This Conference will incorporate the annual spring meeting
of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiac Rehabilitation
and Exercise Physiology.
HOST NATION - IRELAND
Ireland in the new Millennium is a very exciting place.
The recent success of the Irish economy has been nothing short of remarkable
- over the past decade Ireland's economy has seen the fastest growth in
Europe. The ‘Celtic Tiger’ is roaring, and the centre of this
economic miracle is Dublin, the bustling hub of a rejuvenated, reborn
nation.
Sightseeing is a must for any Irish visit. For such a small country, the
variety of Ireland's scenery is astonishing. The beauty of the unspoiled
countryside is matched by a historical and archaeological heritage reaching
back 7,000 years. Ireland is also home to great literature, music and
dance and a great place to meet, do business and make friends.
DUBLIN - YOUR HOST CITY
Dublin is one of Europe's oldest capital cities, with a
history reaching back more than a thousand years. The city today is one
of the most popular European destinations and have one of the fastest
developing economies in the European Union. Dublin offers many delights
for the visitor with museums, art galleries, theatres, ancient churches,
Georgian squares and vibrant nightlife. The theatres and concert halls
attract prestigious national and international artistes, while the pubs
buzz with traditional entertainment, cabaret, jazz sessions and, of course,
friendly and exuberant Dubliners. Dublin City has become, in recent years,
a haven for the culturally inspired and for those seeking relaxation and
fun within a sophisticated European environment.
