Abstracts and Awards – Vascular Discovery 2024

Submit your best science between October 25, 2023 and January 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (Central US Time.)

To ensure that your abstract receives proper scientific consideration, be sure to submit to the appropriate category.

Abstract Submission

  • Review Best Practices for Writing Abstracts on this page.

  • All abstracts must be submitted (and if accepted, will be presented) in English, having accurate grammar and spelling suitable for publication.

  • Statistical results (including descriptive and inferential statistics) are to be included.

  • Author must affirm the work submitted is original and all statements declared as facts are based on thorough examination and investigation for accurateness.

  • Authors should not "split" data to create several abstracts from one. If splitting is judged to have occurred, prior scores of related abstracts will be negatively influenced.

  • 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 published exactly as submitted.

  • Submission of an abstract constitutes a commitment by the author(s) to present if accepted. Failure to present, if not justified, will jeopardize future acceptance of abstracts for American Heart Association meetings/conferences.

  • There is no limit to the number of abstracts an investigator may submit. If selected, the presenter must be one of the co-authors listed. If multiple submissions are accepted, the presenting author must resolve schedule conflicts by arranging for a co-author to present.

Abstract Title

  • An abstract must have a short, specific title (containing no abbreviations) that indicates the nature of the investigation.

  • Avoid an abstract title that reveals the results of the study. Explicit titles denoting the findings should be used (not “Investigations of…”, “Studies of…,” etc.)

Abstract Text

  • It is recommended abstracts have the following identifiable sections:
    • Introduction/Background
    • Research Questions/Hypothesis
    • Goals/Aims
    • Methods/Approach
    • Results/Data (descriptive and inferential statistics)
    • Conclusion(s)

  • Looking for recommendations on how to improve your abstract? We highly recommend you view these recommendations from AHA journals.

  • Use generic drug names.

  • Avoid beginning sentences with numbers.

  • 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.

Abstract Character Guidelines

  • Abstracts are limited to 1,950 characters (about 300-350 words).

  • Spaces do not count as characters.

  • Counts towards character limit include:
    • Text in the abstract body
    • Graphics – addition of an image, whether a figure or a table, deducts 250 characters.

  • Does not count towards character limit:
    • Title of abstract
    • Names of authors
    • Spaces in the abstract body
    • Caption of graphic

  • Graphics Guidelines
    • All graphics (figures) and text-based graphics (tables) should be provided as 72-3—dpi, pre-sized, .BMP, .GIF, .JPG or .PNG images only, with a maximum width of 400 pixels (no limit on length). Black-and-white images should be in grayscale mode. Color images should be saved in RGB mode.

    • All graphics will require a brief description of the image.

    • Please Note: If an abstract is accepted for publication, any images submitted with the abstract are placed after the abstract that will appear in the online-only supplement to ATVB, an American Heart Association journal.

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.

  • 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.

Abstract Revisions

  • After the deadline, your abstract submission is considered final and cannot be edited.
    • Abstracts may not be revised in any way or resubmitted.
    • Additions or deletions of author names will not be permitted.

  • Proofread abstracts carefully to avoid errors before submission.

Abstract Copyright Transfer Agreement

  • Abstract Copyright Transfer Agreement will be electronically signed during submission.
    • Your selection of “Yes” will grant permission to publish.
    • Your selection of “No” will prohibit publication of the abstract in all formats including the ATVB supplement, ePoster site, the mobile meeting guide app, abstracts on USB/download and the online program planner.

Abstract Review

  • Abstracts successfully submitted by the deadline are posted to a secured web site for blind review. Our intent is to be inclusive of quality science received without compromising scientific integrity. As such, a team of 8 to 10 experts, selected by the conference Program Committee, independently reviews abstracts in the category that best fits their expertise.

  • Abstracts submitted for consideration must convey an original idea, concept, or an improvement or revision of a previous idea. Abstracts are selected on the basis of the following:
    • Scientific merit - direction toward the development of a new or improved diagnostic procedure or idea.
    • Organization - well organized, easy to follow and understand.
    • Practicality - should be available, logical and feasible.
    • Presentation - should be clear, brief, show understanding of the subject matter.
    • Technical quality - the idea must stand up to scrutiny. Facts and data have scientific backing.

Abstract Acceptance

  • Abstract acceptance/non-acceptance status will be available by mid-February. Please ensure the email provided for the presenting author is accurate as all correspondence will be sent via email, to the presenting author only.

  • All communications regarding your abstract will be sent from [email protected]. Please make sure to add this email address to your email contacts to ensure important program participant related information gets through your spam filters, etc.

  • All accepted abstracts will be scheduled either in an oral or poster presentation format. All presentations including question-and-answers 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.

  • Guidelines for abstract presentation will be included in the acceptance communication.

Abstract Journal Publication

  • Accepted abstracts having selected “Yes” to the Abstract Copyright Transfer Agreement will be published online in the ATVB journal supplement.

Embargo Policy

  • Abstracts are embargoed for release at date and time of presentation or time of AHA news event. Written embargoed information cannot be shared with anyone outside of the AHA with the exception of a journal manuscript where one-on-one embargoed media interviews can be conducted as long as the reporter agrees to abide by the embargo policy. Failure to honor embargo policies will result in this abstract being withdrawn and future abstracts also being barred from presentation. See the complete AHA Embargo Policy.

Recording Policy

  • Unauthorized recording of the AHA Scientific Sessions, scientific conferences, and the AHA/ASA 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 AHA/ASA scientific conferences and meetings.

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 involved the research design, the tools should be documented in the Methods. 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.

Aortic Aneurysm Disease

Apolipoproteins and Lipid Metabolism

Blood Coagulation, Platelet Function and Antithrombotic Therapy

Cardio-oncology – the Role for the Vasculature **NEW**

Cardiovascular Precision Medicine

COVID-19

Functional Genomics and Epigenetics in Vascular Disease 

Immune Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis

Immunity and Inflammation in Vascular Biology

Metabolic Disorders and Atherosclerosis

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis

Molecular, Developmental and Cellular Biology of Vessel Wall

Peripheral Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke

Population Science and Genetics in Vascular Discovery

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease

Therapeutic Targets in Atherosclerosis

Venous Thromboembolism and Lymphatic Disease

 

Best practices Paragraph

The suggestions below are intended to provide guidance on abstract writing.

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.)

Structure
Abstracts may have the following identifiable sections, but they are not mandatory: Introduction, Hypothesis, Methods, Results and Conclusions.

Abbreviations
Abbreviations may be used after they are spelled out or defined. Use generic, not commercial, names for all therapeutic agents.

Category
Be sure to select up to three abstract categories that best describes your work. Category selection determines which team grades the abstract. If you select the appropriate category, your abstract will be blindly graded by experts familiar with the science of the category.

Common mistakes

  1. Failure to state the hypothesis. We advise a formal statement such as, “We assessed the hypothesis that…”
  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 package is ready for submission.

Awards Offered for 2024

The Councils on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (ATVB) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) proudly sponsor the awards listed below in association with the Vascular Discovery conference and invite their members to apply. Detailed criteria for each award is located on the conference website. Information is also listed on the abstract submission website.

All required materials must be submitted through the abstract submission site prior to the deadline. Incomplete award applications will not be considered.

To qualify for these awards, you must meet the following deadlines:

  • January 3, 2024 – Deadline to have an active AHA membership with the Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, or the Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Council.
  • January 10, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Central Time – Deadline to submit your science to Vascular Discovery: From Genes to Medicine 2024 and apply for these awards.

Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award

Abstracts submitted to the Vascular Discovery 2024 Scientific Sessions may be considered for a Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award. This award recognizes authors that contributed to the highest ranked accepted abstract from each country. You don't have to apply, and professional membership is not required.

The presenting author will be notified of award selection approximately 6 weeks prior to the meeting. Interested in knowing more? Visit the Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award web page.

Applying through the Council Awards Application System

To qualify for these Vascular Discovery 2024 awards, you must meet the following deadlines:

  • January 25, 2024 – Deadline to have an active AHA Professional membership with the council supporting the award.
  • February 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT – Deadline to apply for awards requiring submission in the Council Awards Application System.

Please note:
Deadlines may vary. Detailed instructions, eligibility requirements and criteria for these awards are located on the AHA Council Awards and Lectures pages.

Additionally, applications for the following awards, sponsored by the ATVB and PVD Councils, may be submitted through the Council Awards Application System:

Mentoring Awards

Mid-Career Awards

Nominees should represent outstanding members of the PVD Council who are in mid-career status and whose science would be one that has advanced research and scientific knowledge in the PVD field.

Detailed instructions, eligibility requirements and award criteria for these awards may be located on the individual awards pages shown above. A username and password set up through online registration at Professional Heart Daily will be necessary to access the Council Awards Application System. Professional Members who are creating an online profile for the first time should make sure to register using their AHA member identification numbers.
Join or renew as an AHA Professional Member.

Important

The AHA has moved to a single sign-on process for submitting abstracts and disclosures through our website, Professional Heart Daily.

  • Abstract submitters must have a username and password on professional.heart.org to complete their abstract submission when submitting to any AHA scientific meeting.
  • If you do not remember your Professional Heart Daily login information or need to update your personal profile, do not create a new account. Please reach out to AHA Customer Service for assistance:AHA Customer Service
  • AHA Customer Service
    (888) 242-2453 (Inside U.S.)
    (214) 570-5935 (Outside U.S.)
    Email: [email protected]
    Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) CT

  • The AHA is now required to collect financial disclosures for all abstract submitting authors and co-authors
    • As the submitting author, please be prepared to provide all co-author emails.
    • Co-authors without a complete disclosure will receive separate correspondence to submit this information.