JAMA Medical News

A new European Society of Cardiology clinical consensus statement deals with cardiovascular disease prevention and management in COVID-19, including cardiac long COVID. The report’s lead author, Vassilios Vassiliou, MBBS, PhD, MA, discusses the guidance and key questions that remain about COVID-19 and the heart. Related Content: New Guidance on Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19—From Infection to Long COVID to Vaccination

Brian Lee, a leading epidemiologist from Drexel University, sheds light on his research linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism risk. He discusses the nuances of causality, emphasizing that association does not imply direct cause, and explains the strength of his study's design. Lee contrasts his findings with conflicting studies, advocating for careful use of medication during pregnancy. He stresses the importance of treating fever while adhering to professional guidelines, reassuring listeners about the absence of strong causal evidence.

Kate Schweitzer, Associate Managing Editor at JAMA Medical News, sheds light on a critical new analysis of the Women's Health Initiative data regarding menopausal hormone therapy. She explains the history of menopausal care post-WHI controversy and shares insights on how hormone therapy can alleviate hot flashes without cardiovascular risk for women in their 50s. However, she warns of increased risks for women in their 70s and emphasizes the need for personalized care options and exploring modern alternatives for menopause treatment.

Felix Mahfoud, MD, is a renowned cardiologist and chair of the Department of Cardiology at University Hospital Basel. He discusses groundbreaking insights from the European Society of Cardiology Congress, particularly how GLP-1 therapies significantly lower hospitalizations for heart failure. He highlights mixed results regarding β-blockers after myocardial infarction and emphasizes the benefits of clopidogrel over aspirin for secondary prevention. Additionally, a meta-analysis reveals that shingles vaccination may reduce heart attack and stroke risk, showcasing the intersection of vaccines and cardiovascular health.

In this discussion, Michael J. Welsh, a renowned pulmonologist and award-winning researcher at the University of Iowa, shares insights into cystic fibrosis. He recounts his early experiences with patients and the journey that led to the breakthrough drug Trikafta. Listeners will learn how collaborative research transformed cystic fibrosis from a fatal condition to a manageable one. Welsh also highlights future directions for treatment, including gene editing, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

The discussion highlights the emerging substance 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and its potential abuse risks, especially among children. There's a deep dive into recent FDA-approved anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's, including real-world patient experiences and the critical role of amyloid plaque detection. Additionally, the complexities of SSRIs during pregnancy are examined, with experts debating the risks versus benefits and the importance of patient counseling in making informed decisions. Tune in for insights that bridge innovative treatments with real-life implications!

Kate Schweitzer, Associate Managing Editor at JAMA, discusses the promising advancements towards a norovirus vaccine that may reshape public health. She also delves into newly revised CDC guidance concerning COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy, highlighting its public health implications. The conversation touches on evolving heart disease mortality trends, showcasing a notable decline in ischemic heart disease over five decades while addressing the complexities of contemporary cardiovascular diagnoses. Tune in for insightful updates on these critical medical developments!

Maja Matarić, a pioneering computer scientist at USC and principal scientist at Google DeepMind, explores the transformative impact of socially assistive robots in healthcare. She discusses advancements in AI that enhance interactions in therapy for autism and mental health. The conversation highlights innovative low-cost robots like Blossom, designed for personalization and accessibility. Maja emphasizes robots' essential role in combating social isolation, especially for the elderly, advocating for their integration in therapeutic settings.

Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, is an associate editor at JAMA and leads the Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Dana-Farber. She shares groundbreaking insights from ASCO's annual meeting, including how intensive exercise can boost survival rates in advanced colon cancer patients. Ng highlights the significant link between diet, exercise, and cancer outcomes, as well as findings on GLP-1 receptor agonists reducing colorectal cancer risk. Additionally, she discusses innovations in cancer screening and critiques traditional clinical trial metrics, advocating for patient-centered outcomes.

Join Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer at JAMA, and Virginia Hunt, an intern focused on health and social issues, as they dive into pivotal medical topics. They discuss a new NIH-FDA partnership aimed at addressing nutrition research gaps, particularly concerning ultra-processed foods. The conversation shifts to an FDA-approved blood test for Alzheimer's, revolutionizing diagnostics while raising ethical concerns. Lastly, they highlight the surge in unpaid family caregivers post-pandemic and innovative support programs designed to ease their challenges.