Key takeaways
- Heart Failure 2026, the annual congress of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, will take place in Barcelona and online from 9 to 12 May 2026.
- With a main theme of ‘Evolution in heart failure’, the congress focusses on the dramatic developments that are happening across the field, from basic science to advanced diagnostics, new medical treatments, devices and monitoring approaches.
- The theme of evolution also reflects changes to the congress format, including a new innovations hub, interactive workshops and opportunities for younger members of the community.
- With a record number of submissions, the Late-Breaking Science sessions promise to have a real impact on the care of patients with heart failure.
Sophia Antipolis, France – 28 April 2026: ‘Evolution in heart failure’ is the main theme of
Heart Failure 2026, the annual congress of the
Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, which takes place in Barcelona, Spain, and online from 9 to 12 May 2026.
“Heart failure management has been advancing steadily over the years, but we are now seeing a rapid rate of change in the field,” explained Professor
Antoni Bayes Genis, Heart Failure 2026 Scientific Programme Co-Chair. “We chose the theme of ‘Evolution in heart failure’ to capture this progress and reflect the huge steps forward being made in our understanding of the condition and in the development of new diagnostics, medical treatments and devices, and wearables for monitoring. Many of these advances will be presented and discussed during the congress.”
Heart Failure 2026 received a record number of abstracts and Late-Breaking Science submissions this year. Doctor
Brenda Moura, Heart Failure 2026 Scientific Programme Co-Chair, said: “We are delighted that so many healthcare professionals and scientists want to present their research at Heart Failure 2026, reflecting the event’s strong reputation within the global community. The congress itself is undergoing its own evolution as we respond to the needs of the participants.”
A notable addition to the programme is the Future Frontiers in Heart Failure Hub, which highlights emerging projects that may shape the future of heart failure care. “By showcasing innovations in this way – discussing treatments and devices that are not yet available – we hope to establish better networks between academia and companies working within our field, collaborating to get promising new products to patients faster,” said Doctor Moura.
Increasing interactions between participants was an important aim of the Scientific Programme team. In two new ‘HF Unplugged Rooms’, a series of 20 workshops will allow direct discussion between participants and experts on scientific topics and also on career-enhancing skills. “It is heartening that a large proportion of attendees and presenters this year are young scientists and healthcare professionals. We have designed a broad Young Community track and provide mentorship opportunities to help this interest grow,” said Doctor Moura.
The large number of high-quality submissions – from both early-career and experienced members – has enabled the Scientific Programme team to build an exciting Late-Breaking Science programme of seven sessions, including two on the hottest trials. “The findings are under wraps for now but we look forward to results being revealed on new treatments with novel mechanisms of action, existing heart drugs that could be repositioned in heart failure and strategies to help us provide better supportive care,” said Professor Bayes Genis, who concluded, “There is a real sense of excitement around the congress and the chance to be part of the current rapid evolution of heart failure management.”
ENDS