The ACC Latin America 2026 conference will feature four studies that explore sex-based and regional disparities in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management and outcomes across Latin America, focusing on women as a higher risk, yet underrepresented, patient group. The researchers use overlapping STEMI data that pulls from across Latin America, including the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and South America. STEMI is the most serious type of heart attack.
Among the key findings of the studies, the researchers found that women with STEMI experienced worse clinical outcomes than men and had a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and past stroke. The research showed that women are significantly underrepresented among STEMI patients in Latin America, making up only 21% of patients in a shared cohort of 5,766. Cardiometabolic risk was heightened based on the geographic region, with the patients in the Caribbean maintaining the highest risk. The researchers recommend implementing region-specific prevention strategies across this expansive cohort.
The four studies are:
Learn more about the meeting and see the full agenda here .
Register as Media
Members of the media are eligible for press registration for ACC Latin America 2026. Media registrants will be required to provide appropriate documentation and/or media credentials as per the ACC Media and Communications policies.
To register as media or for embargoed copies of manuscripts or abstracts, contact Katie Glenn at kglenn@acc.org .
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.
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