First, we celebrate our historic 800th article, with the publication of 10 works in this July-December 2024 issue, leading to a total of 804 articles published since 1973. Second, this is the first issue under our new journal management system, with each article now provided with an open access license under Creative Commons and a DOI under CrossRef.

Click here to download the PJC July-December 2024 Issue.

In this issue of the Journal, we feature ten articles consisting of an important consensus statement, an institutional guideline and clinical pathway, six original research articles, a commentary and a special perspective article from a past editor-in-chief. Congratulations to all the contributing authors for their work and our gratitude to all our peer reviewers for ensuring the authenticity, quality and value of these publications. With this issue, the PJC has published a total of 794 articles dating back to 1973, and enthusiastically looks forward to publishing our 800th article in the next issue.

Among the highlights of our issue 51-2 include a State of the Art Review on the management of atrial fibrillation in the country, an interesting nationwide study on the state of echosonographers in echocardiography facilities, and several articles on diagnostic techniques and interventions across institutions in the country. Very soon, these works will be searchable online and available in perpetuity along with other previously published issues

In this issue of the Philippine Journal of Cardiology, we feature two guideline articles, six original research articles and a case report. Each article is a product of the perseverance and persistence of the stonecutter in each researcher. Every successful completion of a research work that equates to its publication and citation is made possible because of the first crack at the rock on day one, and the repetitive cracks made day in and day out, ultimately leading to its printed final article.

The Philippine Heart Association turns platinum (70 years) this year, while the Philippine Journal of Cardiology also turns gold (50 years). In the last five decades of the Journal, a total of 765 original articles have been published, including 546 original research articles, 114 case reports and case series, and 4 clinical guidelines and consensus statements. Truly our founding leaders had the mindset of the third worker and saw a magnificent basilica when they set out to organize the premiere society of cardiology way back in 1952, and launched the official scientific publication in 1971. The lessons and wisdom of our past and rich history that spans seven decades enlightens us. The passion, hopefulness and determination of the present strengthen us. And the enthusiasm and excitement for a bright future drives us to do more.

Scientific journals have evolved into one of the most vital means for disseminating research findings and communicating new knowledge which is critical for the progress of science. But more than this, journals are also important in the development of public health. And when we talk about public health in the Philippines, the role and relevance of the Philippine Journal of Cardiology (PJC) as the scientific publication arm of the Philippine Heart Association is truly crucial with cardiovascular diseases continuing to be the top cause of mortality.

The Philippine Journal of Cardiology also begins the first phase of its digital transformation as we work towards transition to a hybrid print and electronic open access journal, and hopefully getting indexed in global databases, as it looks forward to its 50th anniversary in 2022, simultaneous with the 70th year commemoration of the PHA.

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We need research for scientific advancement, to contribute to what we know or contradict what is known. We need to test theories in a systematic manner and for our results to be communicated, hopefully be replicated, and generate more questions for the future.

January - June 2020