The Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society, founded in 2002, is a leading scientific and professional organization in Greece, with more than 1.000 medical doctors, researchers and students of various medical fields as its members.
Our work concentrates in the diverse subject of the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease and its prevention and treatment, focusing mainly on Lipidology.
Our mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of scientific knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.
We do this by:
Publishing the “Journal of Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment” (JAPT), a peer-reviewed academic journal which publishes all sources papers concerned with research and investigation on atherosclerosis, its complications, and related diseases, including: Lipoprotein metabolism, arterial and vascular biology and disease, thrombosis, inflammation, disorders of lipid transport diabetes and hypertension as related to atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk factors. The editors are also interested in clinical papers dealing with case studies of specific or general interest, new or unusual lipid syndromes, and the genetic basis and familial incidence of atherosclerosis and related diseases. High quality reports of controlled clinical trials of drugs or diets will be considered, provided the paper deals with the mechanism of action of the drug or diet. JAPT is the official scientific journal of the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society. Its main objective is the continuous education of scientists of various disciplines including Medical doctors, Biologists, Biochemists, Dieticians, etc. in various topics related to the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Last but not least JAPT fulfills the requirements and is about to access EMBASE Index/ Scopus and Index Copernicus International.
Organizing Congresses, Symposiums, Summer Schools, Seminars, Workshops and Webinars that allow healthcare professionals to keep up to date on the latest science while networking with their peers. The main goal of our educational events is to improve competency so that physicians accurately evaluate, diagnose and manage atherosclerotic diseases by adopting best practices. To accomplish that, often in cooperation with external health organizations and sister societies, we struggle to deliver robust, unbiased, educational programs. Since 2002 our society has organized 9 Panhellenic Congresses, 9 Panhellenic Symposiums of the Working Groups, 14 Summer Schools, 68 Seminars and Workshops and 10 Webinars (Excellence in Lipidology and Advanced Course in Cardiovascular Prevention).
Supporting the advancement of research and education of young scientists, through financing training grants and fellowships. Since 2004 our society has granted 54 scholarships for PhD dissertations, 6 scholarships for Postgraduate Diploma dissertations, within the framework of organized postgraduate programs in Greece or abroad, 17 Scholarships for postgraduate studies abroad and 27 Research Protocols (clinical and experimental research).
Advising on Atherosclerosis and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases when requested by any institution (public or private) or person.
Organizing working groups of certain scientific interest. Key purpose of the working groups is to promote knowledge in their field of study. This objective is achieved by organizing a 2-year Symposium as well as other events, training seminars, etc., publishing leaflets or manuals, publishing articles in the “Hellenic Journal of Atherosclerosis”, collecting classifying and processing data in order to accurately describe relevant advances in Greece, issuing guidelines, designing and implementing studies, organizing round tables and lectures in the context of the Symposium.
The following working groups are currently active:
Working Group for the Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis
Working Group for the Epidemiology and Prevention of Atherosclerosis
Working Group for the Metabolic Syndrome and pre-Diabetes
Working Group for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Working Group for Hypertension
Working Group for Lifestyle, Psychosocial Factors and Atherosclerosis
Working Group for the Prevention of Stroke
Developing research protocols and coordinate their implementation, as well as guidelines and recommendations, in accordance with the applicable rules of science on issues related to the prevention of atherosclerosis and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Studies and registries introduced by the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society are:
- Μulticenter Study Protocol: The Aggressive Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome without Perceptible diabetes Trial (ATTEMPT).
- Effect of Pitavastatin or Atorvastatin on Glucose Moderate serum as a very serious risk for developing diabetes Patient Diabetes (PAGODA Study)
- Hellas Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (Hellas FH Registry)
- Guidelines of the Hellenic Society of Atherosclerosis for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia (2014)
- Expert consensus on the rational clinical use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors.
- Recommendations for lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: A clinical guide by the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society (2021)
Forwarding the collaboration with other scientific, academic and/ or professional organizations in Greece and other countries abroad to exchange scientific ideas, education and research in Atherosclerosis. Our society is a member society of the European Atherosclerosis Society and the International Atherosclerosis Society. The following joint meetings have been organized during the last years: Clinical Lipidology Course 7 (7-8 February 2020, Hilton Bosphorus Hotel) European Atherosclerosis Society – Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society – Turkish Society of Cardiology, Atherosclerosis International Joint Meeting (07-09 September 2018, Chalkidiki), European Atherosclerosis Society – Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society -Turkish Society of Cardiology, Advanced Course – Clinical Excellence in Lipidology and Prevention (16 – 17/09/2017, Cesme-Izmir), European Atherosclerosis Society – Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society -Turkish Society of Cardiology, EAS Advanced course on FH – Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (13 – 15/10/2016, Athens) European Atherosclerosis Society – Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society. 2nd Joint Meeting on Lipid, Lipoproteins and Hypolipidaemic Therapy (09 – 10/10/2015, Kos Island) European Atherosclerosis Society – Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society, 1st Joint Meeting on Lipid, Lipoproteins and hypodipidaemic therapy (30/10 – 01/112014, Athens) European Atherosclerosis Society – Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society