In this episode of Cardiology Digest, we dive into top journals like JAMA Cardiology to bring you three of the most compelling recent research papers from the field of cardiology.

STUDY #1: First, see how the new Boston Scientific cryoballoon measures up against Medtronic's product. Did the newcomer outshine the veteran, or does it come with hidden risks? Discover the head-to-head results and what they mean for the future of atrial fibrillation cryoablation.

Reichlin, T, Kueffer, T, Knecht, S et al. 2024. PolarX vs Arctic Front for cryoballoon ablation of paroxysmal AF: The randomized COMPARE CRYO study. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. In Press, Corrected Proof. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacep.2024.03.021)

STUDY #2: Next, we explore the intersection of aging, aortic stenosis, and osteosarcopenia in elderly patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study highlights a radiographic method that reveals a high-risk subpopulation within this demographic. See how this insight can shape our approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and what it means for patient care strategies.

Solla-Suarez, P, Arif, S, Ahmad, F, et al. 2024. Osteosarcopenia and mortality in older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. JAMA Cardiol. 7: 611-618. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2024.0911)

O'Gara, P, Guduguntla, V, Bonow, R, et al. 2024, Osteosarcopenia and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. JAMA Cardiol. 7: 618-619. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1018)

STUDY #3: Finally, we turn our attention to the pressing issue of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Discover why close postpartum monitoring is critical and what the latest research suggests about the persistence of hypertension in new mothers. Could longer follow-ups hold the key to better postpartum care?

Hauspurg, A, Venkatakrishnan, K, Collins, L, et al. 2024. Postpartum ambulatory blood pressure patterns following new-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. JAMA Cardiol. Published online (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1389)

Join us to unravel these important studies and their implications for your practice and patients. Ready to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of cardiology? Hit play and let's get started!

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Ready to dig into the latest cardiology research? In less than 15 minutes, we'll give you the low-down on three new studies that’ll help you in clinical practice.

STUDY #1: First, we explore safety outcomes for carotid artery stenting and see how this could impact your clinical discussions and decision-making. And if you practice in the U.S., now that Medicare and Medicaid cover this procedure for a broader range of patients, this info will prove to be especially important.

Uchida, K, Sakakibara, F, Sakai, N, et al. 2024. Real-world outcomes of carotid artery stenting in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 9: 1160-1162. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcin.2024.03.014)

STUDY #2: Next, we tackle a common cardiology conundrum: how should we handle significant coronary artery disease lesions discovered incidentally in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement? Is it better to treat these lesions beforehand, or is there a better strategy? We'll probe the debate, highlighting the potential implications of this new data.

Colaiori, I, Paolucci, L, Mangiacapra, F, et al. 2024. Natural history of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: The role of quantitative flow ratio. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 0: e013705. (https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.123.013705)

STUDY #3: Lastly, we sip our way through the nuances of coffee consumption and its impact on blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. A new study lets us know whether our patients' daily caffeine fix can be left off the list of cardiac concerns.

Trevano, F, Vela-Bernal, S, Facchetti, R, et al. 2024. Habitual coffee consumption and office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure: Results of a 10-year prospective study. J Hypertens. 6: 1094-1100. (https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000003709)

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In less than 15 minutes, Medmastery’s Cardiology Digest will give you the low-down on some of the most compelling studies in cardiology that clinicians with an interest in cardiovascular health need to know about.

STUDY #1: We kick things off by exploring exactly where the CHA2DS2-VASc score fits into anticoagulation decisions in patients with silent atrial fibrillation. Building on the main findings from the ARTESiA and NOAH-AFNET 6 trials, this study sparks a thought-provoking discussion on the future of risk stratification. Tune in to hear insights that could shape your clinical practice.

Lopes, RD, Granger, CB, Wojdyla, DM, et al. 2024. Apixaban versus aspirin according to CHA2DS2-VASc score in subclinical atrial fibrillation: Insights from ARTESiA. J Am Coll Cardiol. In Press, Journal Pre-proof. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.05.002)

STUDY #2: Next, we break down misconceptions surrounding race and treatment efficacy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This study shines a light on the impacts of renin-angiotensin system inhibition across different racial groups. See how these findings challenge the outdated genetic constructs of race, and what they mean for your approach to patient care.

Shen, L, Lee, MM, Jhund, PS, et al. 2024. Revisiting race and the benefit of RAS blockade in heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. JAMA. 24: 2094–2104. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.6774)

STUDY #3: Finally, we turn our focus to the V142I transthyretin gene variant, to evaluate its impacts on cardiovascular health within the U.S. Black population. This research not only highlights the need for targeted genetic screening but also raises important questions about the accessibility of costly treatments for transthyretin amyloidosis.

Selvaraj, S, Claggett, B, Shah, SH, et al. 2024. Cardiovascular burden of the V142I transthyretin variant. JAMA. 21: 1824–1833. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.4467)

Maurer, MS, Miller, EJ, Ruberg, FL, et al. 2024. Addressing health disparities—The case for variant transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis grows stronger. JAMA. 21: 1809–1811. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.2868)

Yancy, CW. 2024. Heart failure in African American individuals, Version 2.0. JJAMA. 21: 1807–1808. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.5217)

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In this episode of Cardiology Digest, we explore groundbreaking studies from the past couple of months that are expanding our understanding of best practices for atrial fibrillation management, as well as lipid-lowering therapies after an acute myocardial infarction.

STUDY #1: First up, what happens when a seemingly promising ablation strategy for nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation disappoints? We're diving into why early nonrandomized trials can often give us hope, but the real story unfolds when randomized trials are performed. How does pulmonary vein isolation stack up against additional treatments, and is there a role for the routine use of left atrial appendage ligation in atrial fibrillation ablation?

Lakkireddy, DR, Wilber, DJ, Mittal, S, et al. 2024. Pulmonary vein isolation with or without left atrial appendage ligation in atrial fibrillation: The aMAZE randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 13: 1099–1108. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2816924)

STUDY #2: Next, can early rhythm control in atrial fibrillation significantly reduce dementia risk? Our second study reveals compelling associations that persist even after rigorous sensitivity analyses. We explore the aggressive use of antiarrhythmic medications in treating new-onset atrial fibrillation, and see what recent research suggests about this approach.

Lee S-R, Choi, E-K, Lee, S-W, et al. 2024. Early rhythm control and incident dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation and prior stroke. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Online ahead of print. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405500X24001889)

STUDY #3: Lastly, we turn our attention to older adults who’ve had an acute myocardial infarction, and what to do about lipid-lowering therapy—what's the latest evidence? This new study provides welcome insights, especially given the previous exclusion of this age group from randomized trials. How do high-intensity therapies fare in older patients compared to their younger counterparts, and what potential confounders should we keep in mind? See how these findings impact clinical practice!

Fayol, A, Schiele, F, Ferrières, J, et al. 2024. Association of use and dose of lipid-lowering therapy post acute myocardial infarction with 5-year survival in older adults. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 5: e010685. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.123.010685

Join us to explore the potential impacts of these studies, the ongoing debates they spark within the cardiology community, and to see how these findings could influence your clinical decisions.

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Pacemaker Essentials (5 CME)

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Welcome to the latest episode of Cardiology Digest, where we chart a course through groundbreaking studies that are shaping cardiology practice!

STUDY #1: First, we discuss the nuanced world of drug interactions involving diltiazem and direct-acting oral anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban. Tune in as we scrutinize the study's limitations and practical implications for your patients with atrial fibrillation.

Ray, WA, Chung, CP, Stein, CM, et al. 2024. Serious bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation using diltiazem with apixaban or rivaroxaban. JAMA. 18: 1565–1575. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2817546)

STUDY #2: Next, we turn our attention to a case-control study examining the bleeding risks associated with the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation. Are the bleeding risks substantial enough to rethink this combination therapy, or are there scenarios where the benefits outweigh the dangers? We'll leave no stone unturned.

Rahman, AA, Platt, RW, Beradid, S, et al. 2024. Concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with oral anticoagulants and risk of major bleeding. JAMA. 3: e243208. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2816687)

STUDY #3: Finally, we explore a fascinating meta analysis that looked at renal denervation and its long-term efficacy in controlling blood pressure. See how renal denervation stacks up against traditional antihypertensive medications and what you need to consider when thinking about incorporating it into your treatment arsenal.

Sesa-Ashton, G, Nolde, JM, Muente, I, et al. 2024. Long-term blood pressure reductions following catheter-based renal denervation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertension. 6: e63–e70. (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.22314)

Join us to explore the potential impacts of these studies, the ongoing debates they spark within the cardiology community, and to see how these findings could influence your clinical decisions.

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Atrial Fibrillation Essentials (1 CME):

Pacemaker Essentials (5 CME)

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In this episode of Cardiology Digest, we delve into three pivotal papers to help us navigate modern cardiology and patient care strategies.

STUDY #1: First, we explore findings from a Swedish study that questions the blanket application of beta-blockers after an acute myocardial infarction in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Are we witnessing the end of an era in how we manage these patients? The complexities and nuances of this study are thought-provoking!

Yndigegn, T, Lindahl, B, Mars, K, et al. 2024. Beta-blockers after myocardial infarction and preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med. 15: 1372–1381. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2401479)

Steg, PG. 2024. Routine beta-blockers in secondary prevention—On injured reserve. N Engl J Med. 15: 1434–1436. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMe2402731)

STUDY #2: Next, the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare takes center stage, with a groundbreaking approach that uses AI in combination with routine chest x-rays. Could this offer a novel way to assess elevated risks for major adverse cardiovascular events, especially in settings where detailed clinical data might be lacking? The implications could transform patient screenings and prognostic assessments.

Weiss, J, Raghu, VK, Paruchuri, K, et al. 2024. Deep learning to estimate cardiovascular risk from chest radiographs: A risk prediction study. Ann Intern Med. 4: 409–417. (https://doi.org/10.7326/M23-1898)

STUDY #3: Lastly, we’ll look into an exciting advancement in interventional cardiology with the introduction of drug-coated balloons. Fresh from their recent FDA approval in March of this year, these innovative devices represent a significant breakthrough for treating patients with in-stent restenosis, especially those who haven’t responded well to multiple drug-eluting stents.

Yeh, RW, Shlofmitz, R, Moses, J, et al. 2024. Paclitaxel-coated balloon vs uncoated balloon for coronary in-stent restenosis: The AGENT IDE randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 12: 1015–1024. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.1361)

Kundu, A and Moliterno, DJ. 2024. Drug-coated balloons for in-stent restenosis—Finally leaving nothing behind for US patients. JAMA. 12: 1011–1012. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.0813)

Join us to explore the potential impacts of these studies, the ongoing debates they spark within the cardiology community, and to see how these findings could influence your clinical decisions.

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In this episode of Medmastery’s Cardiology Digest, we delve into a trio of intriguing cardiology studies that raise as many questions as they answer. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or a medical student, these studies have implications that could influence your approach to patient care.

STUDY #1: First, we turn our attention to the role of GLP-1 agonists in cardiovascular disease prevention among non-diabetic patients who are overweight or obese. With a focus on injectable semaglutide this study examines its cost-effectiveness and potential side effects. The findings might alter how we manage cardiovascular risk in these patients!

Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in obesity without diabetes. N Engl J Med 2023 Nov 11; [e-pub]. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563)

STUDY #2: Next, we’ll explore a compelling meta-analysis that could sway future guidelines and recommendations. They evaluated the outcomes of physiologic guidance and intravascular imaging in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), to see if these techniques improve patient outcomes beyond what’s possible with angiographic guidance alone.

Kuno T et al. Comparison of intravascular imaging, functional, or angiographically guided coronary intervention. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023 Dec 5; 82:2167. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.09.823)

STUDY #3: Finally, we’re going to examine the nuances of anticoagulation in patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation. The balance between preventing strokes and avoiding bleeding complications is a delicate one. With new data suggesting nuanced approaches, this segment will provide valuable insights for us when we’re prescribing or considering anticoagulation therapies.

Healey JS et al. Apixaban for stroke prevention in subclinical atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 2023 Nov 12; [e-pub]. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2310234)

Svennberg E. What lies beneath the surface — Treatment of subclinical atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med 2023 Nov 12; [e-pub]. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMe2311558)

Join us to explore the potential impacts of these studies, the ongoing debates they spark within the cardiology community, and to see how these findings could influence your clinical decisions.

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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Essentials (6 CME)

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In this episode of Medmastery’s Cardiology Digest, we bridge the gap between academic research and clinical practice, exploring three cardiology studies that provide important insights, some of which may even challenge what you think you know.

STUDY #1: First, we explore a study from JAMA Internal Medicine that sheds light on the intricate relationship between chronic inflammation and cardiovascular health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The big question is whether there’s a link between RA and the development of aortic stenosis, and if so, what does it mean for the future of patient care?

Johnson TM et al. Aortic stenosis risk in rheumatoid arthritis. JAMA Intern Med 2023 Jul 31; [e-pub]. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2807944)

STUDY #2: Next, we tackle a meta-analysis from the British Journal of Sports Medicine that reveals practical insights about the best form of exercise to reduce blood pressure. The conclusion may surprise you, offering a fresh perspective on exercise regimens and their role in combating hypertension. But to grasp the full scope of these revelations, you'll have to tune in.

Edwards JJ et al. Exercise training and resting blood pressure: A large-scale pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Br J Sports Med 2023 Jul 25; [e-pub]. (https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/20/1317)

STUDY #3: Lastly, we discuss a study that assesses the risks associated with subsequent pregnancies in women who have experienced peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We find out the magnitude of the potential for adverse events, including death.

Pachariyanon P et al. Long-term outcomes of women with peripartum cardiomyopathy having subsequent pregnancies. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023 Jul 4; 82:16. (https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.04.043)

Each of these studies offers a piece of the larger puzzle of cardiovascular health, challenging us to rethink strategies for prevention, monitoring, and treatment. Don't miss this episode, where curiosity meets clinical expertise, unlocking new horizons in cardiology.

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