This article summarizes the results of a number of clinical trials and registries in the field of cardiovascular medicine which were presented during the Hotline Sessions at the annual meeting of the German Cardiac Society, held in Mannheim, Germany, from 8th to 10th April 2010. The data were presented by leading experts in the field with relevant positions in the trials. It is important to note that unpublished reports should be considered as preliminary data, as the analysis may change in the final publications. The comprehensive summaries have been generated from the oral presentation and should provide the readers with the most comprehensive information on diagnostic and therapeutic development in cardiovascular medicine similar as previously reported (Maier et al. in Clin Res Cardiol 98:345-352, 2009; 98:413-419, 2009).