Each year there is a general theme, and this year it is 'New problems, new solutions'. We aim to focus on recent developments, particularly in investigations, therapy and relevant policy. It is a time of great change for community child health, and although this sometimes seems to be about organisations and management, this conference offers the opportunity to see beyond this to the changes for children, parents, doctors, and nurses which will revolutionise research, investigation and management of many of the illnesses, disabilities, and public health problems we all currently face.

The prevalence of many cardiovascular diseases increases exponentially with ageing, especially coronary heart disease in women, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension and some valvular heart diseases. This situation is a challenge for modern cardiology since all surveys show that management of elderly and advanced elderly patients differs from what is observed in younger patients and does not follow international guidelines. This is the reason why the ESC and the WHF will highlight this subject at WCC 2006 in a series of dedicated sessions analysing the situation and examining the differences and/or similarities between recommendations and management modalities in the ageing population with cardiovascular disorders as compared with the younger generation.

The prevalence of many cardiovascular diseases increases exponentially with ageing, especially coronary heart disease in women, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension and some valvular heart diseases. This situation is a challenge for modern cardiology since all surveys show that management of elderly and advanced elderly patients differs from what is observed in younger patients and does not follow international guidelines. This is the reason why the ESC and the WHF will highlight this subject at WCC 2006 in a series of dedicated sessions analysing the situation and examining the differences and/or similarities between recommendations and management modalities in the ageing population with cardiovascular disorders as compared with the younger generation.