About IAS

History and Purpose

Established in 1979, the International Atherosclerosis Society is a global network of the world’s leading atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease experts who collaborate to develop mission centered programming that spans geographical and generational boundaries.

The society represents more than 40,000 clinicians in more than 70 countries. More than 65 professional societies maintain an active membership in IAS, which represents them via the World Heart Federation. IAS is organized as a 501(c)(3) educational public charity with an international headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Through its global partnerships and member societies, IAS works toward the following strategic priorities:

• Addressing unmet needs and clinical barriers to improve clinical practice worldwide
• Providing thought leadership that informs practice and policy
• Investing in the next generation of researchers and clinicians
• Empowering leaders within medical societies to become stronger clinicians and advocates on behalf of their patients
• Convening cardiometabolic health care providers at regional and international meetings, including the IAS triennial congress
• Transcending national boundaries to promote cardiometabolic health
• Driving the translation of today’s science into tomorrow’s clinical practice.

Global Engagement

In addition to convening world-renowned leaders and young investigators every three years for its flagship triennial congress — the International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, IAS also routinely hosts regional courses, multinational meetings and develops web-based programs for international audiences.

The IAS maintains four regional federations that identify opportunities for regional education initiatives and strategic partnerships: 

• Africa and Middle East
• Americas
• Asia-Pacific
• Europe