Heart Association makes mark at SIAC meeting

American Heart Association President Dr. Manesh Patel was among the speakers in Panama City last month at the InterAmerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC) Congress 2026.

Patel was joined by SIAC President Dr. Ana G. Múnera Echeverri and President-Elect Dr. Ricardo López Santi, Association volunteer Dr. Johanna Contreras and Association International Science Executive Director Melanie Turner on 25th July in discussing management of ischemic heart disease in women. Participants addressed heart disease’s burden in Latin America; early interventions for coronary artery disease and heart failure; and artificial intelligence’s role in diagnosis and risk assessment.

On 23rd July, Dr. Alexandra Aria Mendoza and Dr. Ramiro Flores Ramirez, whose institutions participate in Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® and hospital certification programs, led a quality-focused session on the management of patients in Mexico with coronary artery disease.

Also, Heart Association volunteer Dr. Ileana L. Piña received SIAC’s Career Achievement Award for her contributions to the field of heart failure, dedication to mentorship and advocacy for women and underrepresented populations.

Other highlights were a Mexican delegation luncheon 24th July and the Association’s Go Red Luncheon 25th July.

The American Heart Association and SIAC are long-term collaborators in cardiovascular education, research, prevention and advocacy in Latin America and the Caribbean.