ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research

The 2025 ACC/AHA Acute Coronary Syndrome guideline is the first major update since 2013, incorporating a decade of new evidence and clinical insights. The writing committee stayed on track and on time, reaching consensus on key recommendations, including checklist-based Class I and II interventions before discharge. They thoughtfully addressed legacy practices and controversial studies to ensure clarity and relevance. While some emerging data didn't meet the threshold for formal inclusion, areas like discharge antiplatelet therapy, coronary imaging, and mechanical support devices were flagged as important for clinicians to monitor. The result is a practical, evidence-based tool to guide bedside decision-making. In this interview, Drs. Roxana Mehran and Sunil V. Rao take listeners "Behind the 2025 Acute Coronary Syndrome Guidelines." Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

The 2025 ACC/AHA Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Guideline clarifies diagnostic distinctions using electrocardiogram changes, troponin levels, and imaging tools such as coronary CT angiography and echocardiography in the emergency setting. Updates in lipid-lowering strategies and antiplatelet therapy reflect a more personalized approach to risk reduction and long-term care. These recommendations aim to streamline acute decision-making and improve outcomes across the ACS spectrum. In this interview, Drs. Sidney C. Smith Jr. and Michelle L. O'Donoghue discuss "Top Takeaways From the 2025 ACC/AHA Acute Coronary Syndrome Guideline." Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe on Google Play | Subscribe to ACCEL

Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (CTO PCI) is a procedure used to open coronary arteries that have been completely blocked for an extended period. It offers benefits like reduced angina and improved quality of life but carries risks such as vessel injury, heart attack, and procedural failure. Before considering CTO PCI, physicians typically optimize patients on anti-anginal medications—such as beta-blockers, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers—to manage symptoms and evaluate the need for intervention. In this interview, Drs. Anthony N. DeMaria and Lindsey Cilia examine "Risk versus Benefit in Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization." Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

While blood thinners like warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) remain the standard for stroke prophylaxis, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices offer a non-pharmacologic alternative for patients at high bleeding risk. Recent trials have shown that LAAO can be as effective as anticoagulants in preventing stroke and may be a viable option, especially for patients who cannot tolerate long-term anticoagulation. In this interview, Drs. Anthony N. DeMaria and Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy explore the evolving landscape of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, focusing on the comparison between traditional blood thinners and LAAO. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Persistent symptoms after an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) may indicate post-pulmonary embolism syndrome (PPES), a condition affecting up to 50% of patients. The most important consideration in managing PPES is to carefully evaluate and differentiate it from other potential causes of ongoing shortness of breath, particularly chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which requires targeted treatment. How can clinicians best differentiate between PPES and other causes of persistent symptoms following an acute PE? In this interview, Drs. Dipti Itchhaporia and Paul R. Forfia discuss "Why Are They Still Dyspneic? Post PE Syndrome Workup and Management." Subscribe on Apple Podcasts| Subscribe to ACCEL

Palliative care supports heart failure patients by guiding complex medical decisions, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life. Despite being a guideline-recommended therapy, it remains underused—referrals are 45% lower for heart failure patients than for cancer patients with similar prognoses. Collaboration between cardiology and palliative care teams ensures that patients and caregivers receive goal-aligned care and the best possible quality of life. In this interview, Dr. Mary Norine Walsh and Ms. Jill A. Patton explore how palliative care can help patients across the span of their illness. Related References: 1. Chuzi S, Saylor MA, Allen LA, et al. Integration of Palliative Care into Heart Failure Care: Consensus-Based Recommendations from the Heart Failure Society of America. J Card Fail. 2025;31(3):559-573. doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2024.10.435 2. Gelfman LP, Blum M, Ogunniyi MO, McIlvennan CK, Kavalieratos D, Allen LA. Palliative Care Across the Spectrum of Heart Failure. JACC Heart Fail. 2024;12(6):973-989. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2024.01.010 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Recent clinical trials demonstrate that intensive blood pressure lowering—targeting systolic levels below 120 mm Hg—can significantly reduce cardiovascular events and mortality, even among older adults, individuals with diabetes, and those with chronic kidney disease. This challenges the long-standing belief that looser blood pressure targets are safer for older patients, showing instead that with proper monitoring, tighter control offers substantial net benefits for most high-risk groups. In this interview, Dr. Alison L. Bailey and Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand explore the evolving landscape of hypertension management, highlighting new evidence supporting the benefits of tight blood pressure control across diverse populations. Suggested Materials: 1. Liu J, Li Y, Ge J, et al. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mm Hg versus less than 140 mm Hg in patients with high cardiovascular risk with and without diabetes or previous stroke: an open-label, blinded-outcome, randomised trial. Lancet. 2024;404(10449):245-255. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01028-6 2. Bi Y, Li M, Liu Y, et al. Intensive Blood-Pressure Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(12):1155-1167. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2412006 3. Reddy TK, Nasser SA, Pulapaka AV, Gistand CM, Ferdinand KC. Tackling the Disproportionate Burden of Resistant Hypertension in US Black Adults. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2024;26(11):1163-1171. doi:10.1007/s11886-024-02115-5 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Rapid emergency medical services transport to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable hospital is critical for timely intervention and management of life-threatening arrhythmias in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Upon emergency room arrival, immediate transfer to the cath lab is essential to restore perfusion and improve both short- and long-term cardiovascular outcomes, as recommended by clinical guidelines. Interventional cardiologists must also be adept at managing culprit lesions in multivessel disease (MVD) and addressing complications like the no-reflow phenomenon during PCI. In this interview, Drs. Dipti Itchhaporia and Nabil Farag discuss "What's the Best Time to Revascularize the Non-culprit Lesions in MVD." Suggested Materials: Byrne RA, Rossello X, Coughlan JJ, et al. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes [published correction appears in Eur Heart J. 2024 Apr 1;45(13):1145. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad870.]. Eur Heart J. 2023;44(38):3720-3826. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehad191 Mehta SR, Wood DA, Meeks B, et al. Design and rationale of the COMPLETE trial: A randomized, comparative effectiveness study of complete versus culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention to treat multivessel coronary artery disease in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Am Heart J. 2019;215:157-166. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2019.06.006 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Cardiogenic shock remains a critical, time-sensitive emergency with a high mortality rate. However, recent advances—particularly multidisciplinary, team-based strategies—have shown promise in improving patient outcomes. With the release of the 2025 ACC Concise Clinical Guidance on Cardiogenic Shock, clinicians now have access to a streamlined, evidence-informed roadmap for early recognition, rapid stabilization, and escalation of care. In this episode, Drs. Glenn A. Hirsch and Shashank S. Sinha explore the latest strategies in cardiogenic shock management in 2025, emphasizing the how the new guidance integrates clinical decision-making tools and highlighting the role of shock teams and regional partnerships in optimizing care delivery. SUGGESTED MATERIALS: Sinha SS, Geller BJ, Katz JN, et al; American Heart Association Acute Cardiac Care and General Cardiology Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease. Evolution of Critical Care Cardiology: An Update on Structure, Care Delivery, Training, and Research Paradigms: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025 Feb 13. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001300. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39945062. Hall EJ, Agarwal S, Cullum CM, Sinha SS, Ely EW, Farr MA. Survivorship After Cardiogenic Shock. Circulation. 2025 Jan 21;151(3):257-271. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.068203. Epub 2025 Jan 21. PMID: 39836757. Ton VK, Li S, John K, et al. Serial Shock Severity Assessment Within 72 Hours After Diagnosis: A Cardiogenic Shock Working Group Report. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024 Aug 1:S0735-1097(24)07740-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.04.069. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39217545. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL

Heart failure arises when the heart is unable to pump or fill with blood effectively. In the cardiac catheterization lab, we have the unique ability to directly measure the physiological abnormalities underlying this condition, making it the gold standard for diagnosing heart failure. While not every patient requires heart catheterization, it is often essential for those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This is because noninvasive tests, which are commonly used, frequently fall short—providing false reassurance and leading to missed diagnoses. As a result, HFpEF remains underrecognized. And ultimately, a condition that goes unrecognized cannot be properly treated. In this interview, Drs. Matthew Martinez and Barry Borlaug discuss "Hemodynamic Assessment for Diagnosis and Treatment Selection in HFpEF." Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe to ACCEL