The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is proud to announce the appointment of Filippo Crea as the new editor-in-chief of European Heart Journal (EHJ), its flagship publication, from August 31.

EHJ is the world’s leading general cardiology journal, boasting an impact factor of 22.673 in 2019.

“This is a both an enormous opportunity and an exceptional responsibility,” said Prof. Crea, professor of cardiology at the Catholic University in Rome, Italy. “The European Heart Journal has already gone so far and so fast. The challenge now is taking it to new, unprecedented heights.”  

Prof. Crea is director of the Department of Cardiovascular and Pneumological Sciences of the University Hospital Agostino Gemelli in Rome. Through his own research, he is responsible for significant advances on the mechanisms of myocardial infarction and in the study of coronary microvascular dysfunction by identifying its clinical impact, uncovering mechanisms, and pioneering therapeutic strategies.

In accepting his new editorial position, Prof. Crea stressed EHJ’s role in publishing high-quality research that improves the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. “As editor-in-chief, my focus will be on selecting cutting edge papers that move cardiology forward while providing an antidote to the increasing fake news seen in more and more media,” he said.

Prof. Crea noted that top notch research helps tackle misconceptions about cardiovascular disease. “Heart disease is still considered a man’s problem yet is also the top killer in women,” he said. “We need to raise awareness by disseminating factual information about the burden of cardiovascular disease on everyone. Another goal of the Journal will be attracting practising physicians with interactive educational initiatives. Finally, an ambitious goal will be to make the Journal truly global with a strong presence in the five continents.”

Current EHJ editor-in-chief, Prof. Thomas F. Lüscher, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead European Heart Journal for more than a decade. As I pass the torch to Prof. Crea, I am confident that the EHJ team will be inspired to achieve even greater heights in future.”

ESC President, Prof. Barbara Casadei, said: “First, I would like to congratulate Professor Lüscher for over 10 years of innovative and inspired leadership of the European Heart Journal.  His achievements have been immense. I am delighted to see Professor Filippo Crea taking on the role of Editor in Chief with great enthusiasm and commitment, a host of novel ideas, and a strong team supporting him in this demanding endeavour. From where I stand both the past and the future look very bright!”

This article is a news release from European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2020 Congress. Read the original here.