The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is an independent non-profit, non-governmental professional association that works to advance the prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and improve scientific understanding of the heart and vascular system. This is done by: Disseminating evidence-based, scientific knowledge through courses, webinars, scientific journals, books and an annual cardiovascular congress. Harmonising standards of care through the publication of ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines. Shaping heart-health policy and regulation by fostering partnerships and providing scientific expertise and independent data. Most of the approximately 100,000 ESC members are cardiologists, cardiovascular nurses and allied professionals wishing to increase their knowledge and update their skills. The association adheres to the Alliance for Biomedical Research in Europe Code of Conduct. History The ESC was founded in 1950. Its headquarters is located in the technology park of Sophia Antipolis between Nice and Cannes, in the south of France. The first ESC-organised congress, The European Congress of Cardiology was held in London in September 1952. In February 2013, the ESC opened the European Heart Agency in Brussels, close to the European Parliament complex, in order to have a base in the political and legislative capital of Europe. Structure The ESC is governed by an elected board of volunteers who are cardiovascular experts. Its activities are overseen by dedicated committees made up of more than 2,000 volunteers. Employed staff support ESC volunteers in the development and management of its activities. ESC staff report to the chief executive officer, who reports to the president and management group of the ESC Board. The ESC comprises 57 National Cardiac Societies, 7 sub-specialty associations and 22 sub-specialty working groups and councils. Since 2013, additional support has been developed within the sub-specialty communities to address the special interests and needs of young physicians. Congresses & events The ESC organises numerous cardiology congresses each year, including the largest cardiology congress in the world, ESC Congress. Annual or biennial sub-specialty congresses address acute cardiac care (Acute CardioVascular Care), cardiac imaging (EuroEcho), prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology (ESC Preventive Cardiology), nuclear cardiology and cardiac CT (ICNC-CT), magnetic resonance (EuroCMR congress), interventional cardiology (EuroPCR), heart failure (Heart Failure), heart rhythm and electrophysiology (EHRA), as well as basic science (Frontiers in CardioVascular Biolomedicine). The ESC Heart & Stroke 2022 conference took place May 13–14 in Budapest, Hungary. Clinical practice guidelines The ESC produces clinical practice guidelines for cardiology professionals from