The Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), in collaboration with the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, organized the 16th Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session 2023 from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Several Hong Kong cardiologists explained the latest research on conduction system pacing and optimizing left atrial appendage occlusion to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce surgical risks. Dr. Lau Chu Pak, Honorary President of the Organizing Committee for the 16th APHRS Scientific Session, stated that approximately 2,600 patients with bradycardia in Hong Kong require pacemaker implantation yearly. However, the conventional right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP), used for over 50 years, reduces heart function. Research has shown that the latest left bundle branch pacing method can reduce the risk of heart failure by 2 to 5 times and effectively improve heart function and mortality rates. He noted that Hong Kong doctors are leading the way, surpassing other regions with a 40 percent adoption rate of the new pacing method....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/research-latest-left-bundle-branch-area-pacing-method-reduces-heart-failure-risk-5486880
When little-known politician Bernardo Arevalo was announced the winner of Guatemala’s presidential run-off vote on Aug. 20, it ended more than a decade of conservative leadership. But in the wake of Mr. Arevalo’s surprising win, analysts are expressing concern over the progressive president-elect’s goal to strengthen ties with China. This could be especially troublesome for the United States, Guatemala’s top trade partner, and the politically embattled Taiwan. Guatemala is one of just 13 nations that diplomatically recognizes Taipei over Beijing. It’s also one of Taiwan’s two remaining allies in Central America. On Aug. 21, just one day after Guatemalan officials announced the election results, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Wenbin, expressed the desire for Guatemala’s new head of state to “make the right decision” and establish formal diplomatic ties with China....
A key focus of Canada’s new strategic partnership with Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN revolves around promoting security in the region as countries cope with an assertive China. Themes of cooperation in the new partnership were presented on Sept. 6 at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Indonesia, which was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. ASEAN and Canada have strategies that “share relevant fundamental principles in promoting an open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based regional architecture in the Indo-Pacific region, in which ASEAN is central,” says a joint statement issued by participating leaders. The first strategic area of mutual interest identified for cooperation, before trade and investments, is dubbed the “political-security community.”...