Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is a little under 4 months before the inaugural meeting of the First International Congress of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents, and considerable interest has been generated. The scientific committee has finalised the programme and pleased to announce that an international faculty of the highest calibre has been assembled. Topics will range from overview of the challenges, epidemiology, blood pressure measurement, pathogenesis, assessment of target organ damage, risk profiling, comorbidities, diagnosis, treatment, guidelines and assessment of secondary causes.
This congress is aimed to an important scientific and clinical need. Hypertension in children and adolescents is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. In a recent systematic review from Africa the prevalence of hypertension and slightly elevated BP was 5.5% and 12.7% respectively, and overweight and obesity were important risk factors. (Lancet Public Health 2017; 2: e375–86). These findings have major implications for health systems as these young people are likely to track to adult hypertension with all its attendant complications of premature cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal diseases.
Accurate diagnosis of hypertension is also crucial, and accurate measurement of BP and interpretation is essential. In this regard the congress will be offering a practical workshop, and simplified methods for interpretation of BP.
Identification of children and adolescents at risk for future hypertension and cardiovascular disease is also critically important. Understanding the pathogenesis and implementing preventative strategies are essential to prevent progressive target organ damage. Insights into the pathogenesis and causes of hypertension in young people will be presented by leading experts.
Another key component of the congress is the exchange of scientific information, and scientists and clinicians are urged to submit their research to the Scientific Committee for consideration for either oral or poster presentation.
We are looking forward to your participation at the inaugural congress and meeting you in Valencia.
RegardsCongress Venue
SH Valencia Palace
Address: Passeig de l’Albereda,
32, 46023 València, Spain
Language
There are two official languages in Valencia: Spanish and “Valenciano”.
The official language of the Conference is English
The climate in Valencia:
Valencia enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10ºC. There is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring
Weather in February:
After some cooler weather in winter, it becomes milder and pleasant with warmer temperatures. The average daily temperature in Valencia in February is 11°C, however, high temperatures can reach an average of 16°C on some days, particularly towards the end of the month.
Currency
The Euro is the currency of Spain. All major credit cards are accepted. Banks open from Monday to Friday, from 8.30/9.00 to 14.00/14.30h. There are 24-hour cash machines around the city, and most (Servired, 4B, etc.) offer international services.
Tipping
Tips are included in all prices and bills, so tipping is not considered obligatory. However, if the service received is considered satisfactory, especially in bars and restaurants, a tip is often left.
Electricity
Standard electrical voltage in Valencia is 220-240 V AC, 50 Hz. A transformer and an adapter are necessary to use North American electrical appliances whose plugs have two square pins. Adapters are available in most hardware stores.
Time zone
Time zone in February is GMT / UTC +2:00.
Shopping
Opening hours for shops in Valencia are from 10 am to 8.30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Nevertheless, you will find malls and shops that are open every day, including Sundays and public holidays (except 1 and 6 January, 19 March, 1 May, 9 October and 25 December) from 11 am to 22 pm in the tourists areas: Valencia city centre and surroundings of the City of Arts and Science.
Restaurants and Bars
With a number of great quality restaurants in Valencia, you are sure to be spoilt for choice. Foodies will find a range of innovative culinary creations waiting to be explored. Restaurants in Valencia traditionally open around 13:30 to 16:00 for lunch and from 21:00 to 23:30 for dinner. However, restaurants in tourist areas, as well as more informal bars and fast-food places, tend to have longer opening hours.
Visa Requirements
ICHCA 2018 Participants are requested to consult the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their home country or with their travel agency for specific details relating to visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.
Liability and Insurance
Delegates are requested to take out their own personal travel and health insurance as the congress organisers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss or damage to private property.
Official Letter of Invitation
Official letters of invitation designed to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries will be sent on request. It must be understood that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organising Committee or Conference to provide any financial assistance.
Registration & Accommodation
All participants must submit a completed registration form. Hotel accommodation at special conference rates is offered to participants.
