Abstracts and Awards - EPI|Lifestyle

Abstract submission is now open!

• Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 14, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Central Time (no extensions!)
• Abstract Withdrawal deadline: January 29, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Looking for recommendations on how to improve your abstract? We highly recommend you view these recommendations from American Heart Association journals.

Abstract Submission

• Review Best Practices for Writing Abstracts.
• Submit all abstracts in English.
• Authors should not "split" data to create several abstracts from one. If splitting is judged to have occurred, priority scores of related abstracts will be reduced.
• Abstracts containing identical or nearly identical data submitted from the same institution and/or individuals will be disqualified.
• Proofread abstracts carefully to avoid errors before submission. The abstract will be reviewed exactly as submitted.
• An abstract must have a short, specific title (containing no abbreviations) that indicates the nature of the investigation.
• Describe briefly the objectives of the study unless they are contained in the title. Include a brief statement of methods if pertinent. State findings in detail sufficient to support conclusions. Abstracts should not describe research in which the chemical identity or source of the reagent is proprietary or cannot be revealed.
• Use generic drug names.
• Do not begin sentences with numerals.
• Standard abbreviations may be used without definition. Nonstandard abbreviations (kept to a minimum) must be placed in parentheses after the first use of the word or phrase abbreviated.
• Do not include references, credits or grant support.
• Do not include the names or personal information of any patient participating in the study or trial.
• The character limit cannot exceed 2,500. Punctuation counts as characters, but spaces do not.
• You may submit a maximum of up to 3 images. Images do NOT count as characters.
  • If an image is to accompany the abstract, it must be submitted as a digital image with the following specifications:
  • File type format must be JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP.
  • The acceptable dpi range is 72 to 300.
  • If the image is black, save it as black/grayscale. If the image is color, save it as RGB.
  • Crop out white space around the figure and crop it tight (but do not cut off any text or lines).
  • The maximum width of the image is 440 pixels. If the image is smaller, do not increase its size. Note: images wider than 440 pixels may not be usable on the journal website.

Author Name(s)

• The submitting author will be designated as the primary and presenting author unless otherwise specified. The presenting author must be listed on the abstract and can be listed anywhere in the author block.
• Acceptance notifications and correspondence are sent to the presenting author only.
• All authors listed on the abstract must have actively participated in the research the abstract represents. The American Heart Associtation reserves the right to remove an abstract from the program.
• Please review the author block carefully. Edits cannot be made after the deadline. Once submission is complete, the author block will be published as submitted. Additions or deletions of author names are not permitted after the submission deadline.

Acceptance

• Submitters will be notified of acceptance/non-acceptance status via e-mail by early December 2026.
• Abstracts are reviewed in blinded fashion and selected on the basis of scientific merit. The conference Program Committees will determine whether the abstract is to be presented orally or by poster.
• Request oral, poster or moderated poster presentation on the presentation preference tab of the submitter site. Unless you select "poster only," the selection of one of these options will neither prejudice acceptance nor guarantee an oral presentation because abstracts will be arranged to fit into a thematic group for presentation. Although every effort will be made to accommodate your presentation request, there is no guarantee that you will present in the mode of your preference.
• Expenses associated with the submission and presentation of an abstract are the responsibility of the presenter.
• Presenting/submitting authors must register and pay associated fees for attendance at the conference. All abstract presentations (oral or poster) must be in-person.
• Abstracts selected will be published in an online version of Circulation.
• Accepted abstracts will not have been published (manuscript or abstract) prior to the date of this submission or presented at any national or international meeting prior to March 1, 2027. Abstracts are embargoed for release at date and time of presentation or time of The Association's news event. Information may not be released before then. Failure to honor embargo policies will result in the abstract being withdrawn and barred from presentation.
• Submission of an abstract constitutes a commitment by the authors to present if accepted. Failure to present, if not justified, will jeopardize future acceptance of abstracts.
• Recording Policy:
  • Unauthorized recording of the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, scientific conferences and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference is prohibited, whether by video, still or digital photography, audio or any other recording or reproduction mechanism. This includes recording of presentations and supporting audiovisual materials and of poster presentations and supporting poster materials.
  • The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association reserve the rights to all recordings or reproductions of presentations at Association scientific conferences and meetings.

Abstract Withdrawal

• Requests for withdrawl must be received in writing via email to [email protected] by January 29, 2027 at 5 p.m. CT (UTC -5). Please reference "EPI/Lifestyle 2027."

Abstract Revisions

• After the submission deadline, your abstract submission is considered final and cannot be edited. No proof pages will be sent to authors.
  • Abstracts may not be revised or in any way resubmitted.
  • Additions or deletions of author names will not be permitted.
• Proofread abstracts carefully to avoid errors before submission.

Use of Automated Assistive Writing Technologies and Tools

• The use of automated assistive writing technologies and tools (commonly referred to as artificial intelligence or machine learning tools) is permitted provided that their use is documented, and authors assume responsibility for the content. As with human generated content, authors are responsible for the accuracy, validity and originality of computer-generated content. Automated assistive writing technologies do not qualify for authorship as they are unable to provide approval or consent for submission.
• If the use of these technologies has been used to carry out or generate analytical work, the tools utilized must be document in the abstract.
• Not Acceptable Use:
  • AI-generated abstract with minimal or no human revision
  • AI-generated scientific ideas, claims, data, or conclusions
• For additional information, see the World Association of Medical Editor recommendations.
• For your abstract submission, you will need to indicate the use of these tools.

Presentation

• All presentations and question-and-answer sessions will be conducted in English. Presenters may request assistance from the moderator who will repeat or rephrase questions from the audience or may ask a colleague in the audience to assist with translation.
• References to work previously published by other authors must include citations at the bottom of the appropriate slides.
• Unauthorized recording of the conference is prohibited, whether by video, still or digital photography, audio or any other recording or reproduction mechanism. This includes recording of presentations and supporting AV materials and of poster presentations and supporting poster materials.
• All oral presentations must be in electronic format. Electronic presentations must be submitted 12 business hours in advance of the session start time. Instructions will be provided upon acceptance.

Abstract Submission

Provide unique clinical cases or images that represent novel or interesting aspects of hypertension or renal science. If using an image, please ensure a high-quality image without any identifying information, that is acceptable for publication. Images with patient or device identifiers will be removed from the submission.

Clinical Case Study Abstracts may have the following identifiable sections: Case Presentation, Differential Diagnosis, Treatment and Management, Outcome and Discussion/Teaching Points

1. Title
2. Case Presentation - Detailed patient information including: demographics, medical history, symptoms and clinical findings, and diagnostic tests/results. NOTE: Do NOT include patient names. Proprietary information cannot be revealed.
3. Differential Diagnosis - Discussion of the potential diagnoses considered and the reasoning behind the final diagnosis.
4. Treatment and Management Details of the treatment provided, including any procedures, medications, or interventions.
5. Outcome and Follow-Up - Results of the treatment and the patient's progress over time.
6. Teaching Points - Analysis of the case, comparing it with existing literature, highlighting unique aspects, and discussing implications for clinical practice.

Abstract Acceptance

Accepted case study abstracts will be poster only. Acceptance notifications will be sent out in early December.

Use of Automated Assistive Writing Technologies and Tools

• The use of automated assistive writing technologies and tools (commonly referred to as artificial intelligence or machine learning tools) is permitted provided that their use is documented, and authors assume responsibility for the content. As with human generated content, authors are responsible for the accuracy, validity and originality of computer-generated content. Automated assistive writing technologies do not qualify for authorship as they are unable to provide approval or consent for submission.
• If the use of these technologies has been used to carry out or generate analytical work, the tools utilized must be document in the abstract.
• Not Acceptable Use:
  • AI-generated abstract with minimal or no human revision
  • AI-generated scientific ideas, claims, data, or conclusions
• For additional information, see the World Association of Medical Editor recommendations.
• For your abstract submission, you will need to indicate the use of these tools.

Proofread your submission carefully. If accepted, all abstracts are published as submitted.

If accepted, all abstracts are published as submitted. NO MODIFICATIONS are allowed after October 14 at 6:00 pm CT.

Looking for recommendations on how to improve your abstract? We highly recommend viewing these recommendations from American Heart Association Journals.

Abstract Submission

• Review best practices for writing abstracts.
• Submit all abstracts in English.
• Authors should not split data to create several abstracts from one study.
• Abstracts containing identical or nearly identical data submitted from the same institution and/or individuals will be disqualified.
• Proofread abstracts carefully before submission.
• An abstract must have a short, specific title containing no abbreviations.

Abstract Structure

• Background: Identification of the problem and rationale for the study/project.
• Methods/Intervention: Process for conducting the study/project.
• Results: Key findings and observations.
• Conclusion/Summary: Implications for implementation in the healthcare setting.

• Use generic drug names.
• Do not begin sentences with numerals.
• Standard abbreviations may be used without definition.
• Do not include references, credits, or grant support.
• Do not include patient names or personal information.
• Do not include author names in the abstract body.
• Character limit: 2,500. Punctuation counts as characters; spaces do not.
• Up to 3 images may be submitted. Images do not count toward the character limit.

Image Specifications

• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP.
• DPI range: 72–300.
• Black images should be grayscale; color images should be RGB.
• Crop excess white space around figures.
• Maximum image width: 440 pixels.

Author Name(s)

• The submitting author will be designated as the primary and presenting author unless otherwise specified.
• The presenting author must be listed on the abstract.
• Acceptance notifications and correspondence are sent only to the presenting author.
• All authors must have actively participated in the research.
• Author information cannot be edited after the submission deadline.

Acceptance

• Submitters will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance via email in early December 2026.
• Abstracts are reviewed in a blinded fashion based on scientific merit.
• The conference committee determines presentation format.
• Presentation requests do not guarantee placement in a preferred format.
• Presentation-related expenses are the responsibility of the presenter.
• Presenting authors must register and pay conference fees.
• All presentations must be delivered in person.
• Accepted abstracts will be published online in Circulation.
• Accepted work must not have been previously published or presented before March 1, 2027.
• Authors are expected to present accepted abstracts.

Recording Policy

• Unauthorized recording of presentations, posters, and supporting materials is prohibited.
• The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association retain rights to official recordings.

Abstract Withdrawal

Requests for withdrawal must be submitted in writing to: [email protected]
Deadline: January 29 at 5:00 p.m. CDT (UTC-5). Please reference "EPI/Lifestyle 2027".

Abstract Revisions

• After the submission deadline, abstracts are considered final.
• No proof pages will be sent.
• Abstracts may not be revised or resubmitted.
• Author additions or deletions are not permitted.
• Proofread carefully before submission.

Use of Automated Assistive Writing Technologies and Tools

• AI and machine learning tools may be used if disclosed.
• Authors remain responsible for the accuracy, validity, and originality of content.
• Automated tools do not qualify for authorship.
• Tools used for analytical work should be documented within the abstract.

Not Acceptable:

• AI-generated abstracts with minimal or no human revision.
• AI-generated scientific ideas, claims, data, or conclusions.

See Additional Guidance from the World Association of Medical Editors

Presentation

• All presentations and Q&A sessions must be conducted in English.
• Previously published work must be cited on presentation slides.
• Unauthorized recording is prohibited.
• All oral presentations must be delivered electronically.

• Clinical Quality improvement
• Patient safety
• Healthcare Services Process Improvement
• Implementation of Evidence-Based Care Pathways
• Operational Efficiency
• Care Delivery Transitions
• Disease-Specific or Condition-Specific Improvement Initiative

Looking for recommendations on how to improve your abstract? We highly recommend you view these recommendations from American Heart Association journals.

Title

To the extent the data permits, make the title dynamic and conclusive, rather than descriptive. For example, "Hypoxia Inhibits Kv1.5 Channels in Rat Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells" is preferable to "Effects of Hypoxia on Kv1.5 Channels." Explicit titles denoting the findings should be used (not "Investigations of…," "Studies of…," etc.)

Use capitals for the first letter of each word as appropriate; do not capitalize the entire title. No periods. No abbreviations. Please bold your title. Do not italicize entire title.

Structure

Abstracts should have the following identifiable sections: Introduction, Hypothesis, Methods, Results and Conclusions.

Category

You may select up to two categories. The primary category being your first choice. Your choice of category determines which team reviews your abstract. Selecting the most appropriate category (ies) ensures that your abstract is evaluated blindly by experts who are familiar with the relevant scientific area. Additionally, abstracts are programmed thematically in either an oral or poster session based on category selection.

Common Mistakes

1. The abstract must contain a brief section on Methods/Methodology. It does not have to contain a hypothesis unless it is appropriate to do so.
2. Failure to state a conclusion. We encourage a final sentence that says: "In conclusion…"
3. Failure to state sample size. The reviewers want to assess the quality of the data – they need a mean SEM and a sample size.
4. Excessive use of abbreviations. All but the most standard abbreviations should be defined, and most abstracts should have less than 3 abbreviations.

Traps to Avoid

1. Typographical errors
2. References cited in the abstract
3. Not providing context or a statement of relevance that provides the rationale for your study.
4. Complex graphics. Simple line or bar graphs are most appropriate. Ensure the font size is adequately large on each axis to be visible. Check a printed version of the abstract before submitting.
5. Duplicative work

Remember: Make sure your abstract is clear, concise, and follows all rules. Show your abstract to a colleague prior to submission and modify accordingly. A fresh pair of eyes will help spot any errors and will ensure the final packaged is ready for submission.