Next-Generation Cardiology: AI, Genetics, and Personalised Medicine
More than 400 specialists from Russia and other countries participated in the 'Genetics and the Heart' Congress hosted by HSE University. Experts discussed the latest advances in clinical and molecular cardiology, new approaches to managing rare diseases, challenges in genome editing, and the role of artificial intelligence in interpreting medical and genetic data. A central theme of the congress was the practical integration of genetic knowledge into routine clinical practice.
Larisa Kruglova, Rector of the Central State Medical Academy, opened the congress by reading out the address by Dmitry Verbovoy, Head of the Main Medical Directorate at the Administrative Department of the President. The Congress co-chairs, Professors Dmitry Zateyshikov and Anna Kostareva, Maria Poptsova, Head of the Centre for Biomedical Research and Technology at the HSE AI and Digital Science Institute, and Elena Vasilyeva, Chief Non-Staff Cardiologist of the Moscow City Health Department, also addressed the audience.
From Experimental Discipline to Clinical Practice
At the first plenary session, 'Cardiological Diseases of Genetic Origin–2026,' leading Russian cardiologists emphasised that cardiogenetics has finally transitioned from an experimental discipline to a field of practical healthcare. The vast body of genetic data associated with heart disease accumulated in recent years now calls for a shift from fragmented research efforts to the development of a nationwide platform.
Professor Elena Vasilyeva from the Davidovsky City Clinical Hospital in Moscow used the example of heart defects to demonstrate that genetic diseases are not limited to congenital conditions. The discussion focused on standardising genetic testing protocols, developing clear criteria for clinical interpretation of results, and creating clinical decision-making algorithms for physicians when a genetically determined disease is identified.
'This congress is intended for professionals directly involved in patient care, those conducting genetic research and working with biomaterials, as well as a broad range of specialists in bioinformatics and artificial intelligence,' said Sergey Tereshchenko, Chief Research Fellow at the Department of Myocardial Diseases and Heart Failure of the Chazov National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology.
Focus on Complex Clinical Situations
One of the most challenging topics discussed at the congress was the clinical management of pregnant women with genetically determined heart conditions. In such cases, cardiologists must address a range of medical and ethical issues—from preventing direct harm to the expectant mother to assessing the likelihood that the unborn child will develop the condition.
The symposium ‘Cardiogenetic Diseases in Pregnant Women,’ chaired by Prof. Olga Moiseeva from the Almazov National Medical Research Centre, presented findings from the team’s long-term work, reflecting substantial clinical experience in managing complex cases.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: from Registries to Surgery
The most common genetically determined cardiomyopathy—hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—was discussed in several sessions of the congress. The key event was the presentation of preliminary results of the GRADIENT national registry, reported by Olga Chumakova from the Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President.
The project is being implemented jointly by the Central State Medical Academy and the Almazov National Medical Research Centre and has already attracted participation from healthcare institutions across Russia as well as clinics in neighbouring countries. The creation of a large-scale body of clinical and genetic data is expected to significantly improve the quality and personalisation of patient care.
A separate symposium brought together surgeons from several countries to discuss modern approaches to the surgical treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), including procedures performed on a beating heart.
Early Diagnosis as the Key to Future Health
The central message of the 'Paediatric Cardiology' symposium was that 'silent' hereditary lipid metabolism disorders, which can lead to early atherosclerosis, should be actively detected in childhood. Screening parents allows for a significant expansion of the population eligible for primary and secondary prevention measures.
A distinctive feature of the congress was the simultaneous focus on both paediatric and adult cardiology. Developing continuity of care and adopting a family-centred approach to diagnosis were highlighted as important strategies for improving life expectancy.
The Future Belongs to Algorithms: Bioinformatics in Cardiology
Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence are emerging as the most promising fields in cardiology. The symposium 'Bioinformatics in Cardiology,' chaired by Mikhail Gelfand from Skoltech and Maria Poptsova from HSE University, explored mechanisms of gene regulation via the three-dimensional structure of chromatin and the role of non-coding regions of the genome.
A groundbreaking topic was the application of generative AI models for interpreting genetic variations.
As part of the congress, CARDIOLIFE, a genetic test developed at the Centre for Biomedical Research and Technology of the HSE FCS AI and Digital Science Institute, was presented. The test enables the analysis of more than 900 genes associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Practical Outcomes: Interdisciplinarity and Routing
Forum participants concluded that modern cardiogenetics is impossible without close collaboration among cardiologists, geneticists, cardiac surgeons, paediatricians, obstetricians, and bioinformaticians. Participants emphasised a clear shift from theoretical research to practical application, with national registries being established, AI tools being implemented, and new clinical protocols being developed.
The congress demonstrated that Russian science is advancing in step with global trends, while international scientific collaborations continue to grow. The next congress is scheduled for early 2027.
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