In this article, we speak with Dr. Sergio Dubner, President of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ISHNE).

Tell us about the ISHNE. When was it formed, and why?

The International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology was created to promote and advance the science of noninvasive electrocardiology in all of its phases and to encourage the continuing education of physicians, scientists, and the general public in the science of Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology.

The ISHNE, which was formed in 1984, provides a specialized focus on noninvasive electrocardiology. Our particular emphasis is on new developments in 12-lead ECG, exercise ECG, Holter monitoring, signal averaging, dispersion of repolarization, T-wave alternans, heart rate turbulence, external defibrillation, as well as advances in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia and ischemia. Most of those who developed these methods as well as the main investigators in recent noninvasive trials are members of our Society.

The Society is active in more than 100 countries and is committed to advancing the science of cardiology through its educational programs, mainly Web based, fellowships, and scientific awards. We offer memberships to physicians and scientists involved in clinical and research aspects of noninvasive electrocardiology. The Society’s official journal is the Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ANE), the Editor-in-Chief of which is Arthur Moss, MD; ANE is indexed in the Index Medicus with an important impact factor.

Who can join the ISHNE? Approximately, how many members are there currently?

Any cardiologist or medical professional, as well as allied professionals, may become members of the Society. Registration is free of charge, according to our philosophy, and there are more than 17,000 members worldwide.

What are some of the benefits of ISHNE membership?

Benefits of membership include being part of a growing society where all the members have the chance to participate in the development, sharing a place to discuss the topic of arrhythmias, and having access free of charge to all the activities.

What are some of the activities or meetings that the ISHNE has participated in this year?

ISHNE had both live and Web-based educational activities. During most of the major congresses related to arrhythmias, the Society had joint activities:

• At the World Congress of Cardiology in Buenos Aires in May 2008, a joint HRS-ISHNE meeting was conducted within the framework of the World Congress, with quite a good audience.

• We participated in the 2nd International Workshop in Noninvasive Electrocardiology in Timisoara, Romania, in June 2008. Victor Moga served as Chair.

• At the Cardiostim meeting in June 2008, a three-day symposium was held, with roundtable talks and the presentations of oral brief communications and posters. The symposium was chaired by Drs. Zareba, Dubner, Moss, and Hombach. Sessions included: Update on Inherited Arrhythmia Disorders, Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes, Resynchronization Therapy, Atrial Fibrillation, Syncope, Autonomic Control and its Monitoring, and Timing of Noninvasive Testing.

• Also this year was the 19th Great Wall International Congress of Cardiology (GW-ICC) in Beijing, in October 2008. Chair was Dayi Hu (joint session).