ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research

In the TACSI trial, researchers evaluated ticagrelor plus aspirin versus aspirin alone in about 2,200 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). At 12 months, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) did not reduce major adverse cardiac events compared to aspirin alone. However, it was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding. These findings do not support routine DAPT use post-CABG in ACS patients, though longer-term follow-up is still needed. In this interview, Drs. Steven E. Nissen and Anders Jeppsson discuss "TACSI Trial: Dual or Single Antiplatelet Therapy After CABG in Patients With ACS". SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Jeppsson A, James S, Moller CH, et al. Ticagrelor and Aspirin or Aspirin Alone after Coronary Surgery for Acute Coronary Syndrome. N Engl J Med. Published online September 1, 2025. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2508026 TACSI: Dual or single antiplatelet therapy after CABG in patients with acute coronary syndrome: Reported from ESC Congress 2025 (PCRonline website). 2025. Available at: https://www.pcronline.com/News/Whats-new-on-PCRonline/2025/ESC/TACSI-Dual-or-single-antiplatelet-therapy-after-CABG-in-patients-with-acute-coronary-syndrome. Accessed 10/31/25. Subscribe to ACCEL

Current clinical challenges in lipid control include achieving and maintaining target LDL-cholesterol levels in patients at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially those who do not respond adequately to standard therapies. The VICTORION-Difference trial demonstrated that an inclisiran-based treatment strategy significantly outperformed usual care in helping patients reach early and sustained LDL-C goals. This approach also resulted in fewer muscle-related side effects, a common barrier to adherence. Inclisiran offers a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated option for improving lipid management in these patients. In this interview, Drs. Kim A. Williams and Ulf Landmesser discuss "VICTORION-Difference: Inclisiran-Based Strategy vs. Standard of Care." Subscribe to ACCEL

What if your genes could predict a life-threatening condition before symptoms ever appear? Explore how medical science uncovered the genetic roots of thoracic aortic aneurysm—and why that discovery changed everything. From famous historical figures to modern patients, the implications are profound: understanding the exact genetic mutation can guide treatment and safeguard entire families. In this interview, Drs. Jeroen J. Bax and John A. Elefteriades discuss "Aortopathies: What A Cardiologist Needs to Know". Subscribe to ACCEL

Can a newer, more targeted pacing method revolutionize heart failure treatment? The PhysioSync-HF trial investigates conduction system pacing as a potentially more effective and affordable alternative to traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy. Explore the surprising differences between this study and prior research and hear firsthand what it was like to lead a nationwide, publicly funded clinical trial across Brazil. This episode dives deep into innovation, equity, and the future of heart care. In this interview, Drs. Joseph Marine and André Zimerman discuss "PhysioSync-HF: Conduction System vs. Biventricular Pacing in Cardiac Resynchronization in HFrEF". Subscribe to ACCEL

The DAPT SHOCK AMI trial is the first major study to evaluate antiplatelet therapy specifically in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It compares initial treatment strategies using cangrelor versus crushed ticagrelor. Early and potent platelet inhibition is critical for restoring microvascular reperfusion in this high-risk population. Previous randomized trials have excluded these patients, leaving a gap in evidence for optimal antiplatelet management in AMI-CS. In this interview, Drs. Dipti Itchhaporia and Zuzana Motovska discuss "DAPT-SHOCK-AMI Trial: Cangrelor in Cardiogenic Shock". Subscribe to ACCEL

The ODYSSEY-HCM trial found that mavacamten did not significantly improve exercise capacity or patient-reported outcomes in individuals with symptomatic nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Safety concerns emerged, including more frequent reductions in ejection fraction and treatment interruptions among those receiving mavacamten. The trial's limited diversity and short duration raise questions about the generalizability and long-term implications of the findings. Despite the lack of approved therapies for this patient group, the study underscores the complexity of using surrogate endpoints and the need for deeper exploration into disease mechanisms and treatment response. In this interview, Matthew Martinez MD, FACC and Milind Y. Desai, MD, MBA, FACC discuss "ODYSSEY-HCM: Mavacamten in nHCM." Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

The DAN-RSV trial is one of the largest individually randomized studies ever conducted, enrolling over 131,000 participants aged 60 and older to evaluate the effectiveness of the RSVpreF vaccine. Using a pragmatic design with electronic consent and national health registry data, the trial successfully met its primary objective of reducing RSV-related respiratory tract disease hospitalizations. It also achieved all key secondary endpoints, showing favorable outcomes for RSV-related and all-cause respiratory and cardiorespiratory hospitalizations. These results demonstrate the vaccine's potential to significantly impact public health and inform future RSV vaccine policy. In this interview, Drs. Richard A. Chazal and Tor Biering-Sørensen discuss "DAN-RSV: RSVpreF Vaccine for Preventing Cardiorespiratory Hospitalizations." Suggested Materials: Tor Biering-Sørensen (2025). Vaccine Effectiveness of a Bivalent RSV Prefusion F Protein-Based Vaccine for Preventing RSV Hospitalizations in Older Adults (DAN-RSV) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06684743). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06684743. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), affecting up to 20% of pregnancies, serve as early indicators of a woman's future cardiovascular risk and should be treated as critical markers in preventive care. Pregnancy offers a unique opportunity—a "window"—to identify and address cardiovascular vulnerabilities, making routine screening for heart health essential at every clinical encounter. Long-term monitoring beyond the postpartum period is vital, as cardiovascular risks persist and evolve over time. Improving women's heart health requires a collaborative, lifelong approach across specialties, integrating cardiology with obstetrics and primary care. This comprehensive strategy ensures that prevention remains central during and after reproduction. In this interview, Drs. Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and Ijeoma Isiadinso, MD, FACC discuss "The Role of Prevention During & After Reproduction". Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Cohort studies have provided robust data on cardiovascular risk factors, forming the basis for predictive models like the Pooled Cohort Equations and PREVENT. Clinical trials confirm that treating these risk factors effectively reduces cardiovascular events. Over the past 50 years, age-adjusted mortality from acute myocardial infarction has dropped by 89%, reflecting major progress. To advance further, we must consider integrating imaging to identify those at highest risk, using risk factors to guide treatment decisions. This dual approach could enhance precision and improve outcomes in cardiovascular prevention. In this interview, Drs. Alison L. Bailey and David J. Maron discuss "The Role of Imaging in Cardiovascular Prevention". Subscribe to ACCEL

The menopause transition marks a pivotal period of cardiometabolic change that significantly elevates cardiovascular (CV) risk in women. Despite its clinical importance, this phase remains underrecognized in CV risk assessment, contributing to a profound knowledge gap. Enhancing clinician education and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration are essential to delivering individualized care that addresses both symptom burden and long-term CV outcomes. By prioritizing this life stage, we can improve prevention strategies and reduce the overall burden of cardiovascular disease in women. In this interview, Drs. Alison L. Bailey and Lily Dastmalchi discuss "Improving Cardiovascular Clinical Competencies for Menopausal Transition". Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL