This Week in Cardiology

Explore a fascinating study on post-TAVI atrioventricular block revealing distinct patterns before and after the procedure. Delve into a public service announcement urging collaboration between structural heart teams and electrophysiologists. Discover important insights on revascularization outcomes, showing women fare better with CABG over PCI. Finally, John critiques a CTO-PCI trial, expressing skepticism about its clinical value. Tune in for a glimpse of the top stories coming in 2025!

This week explores the intriguing concept of 'less is more' after PCI, questioning the need for routine complete revascularization. The TARGET-FIRST trial sheds light on early aspirin discontinuation, and the RETREAT-FRAIL study turns a 'negative' trial into a positive take on antihypertensive reduction for frail patients. Fascinating comparisons arise between bleeding risks of apixaban versus aspirin, while experts advocate for AED availability on flights. Finally, updates on Factor XI inhibitors maintain the excitement in cardiology research.

This week, the discussion dives into groundbreaking findings from the CREST-2 trial, revealing new insights into treating carotid artery disease. The ongoing battle between prasugrel and ticagrelor continues, with recent evidence suggesting prasugrel holds an edge for high-risk diabetic patients. Plus, there's an intriguing look at coffee consumption's relationship with atrial fibrillation—could that morning cup actually lower your risk? Tune in for a blend of clinical updates and listener feedback that keeps healthcare professionals engaged!

Dive into a critical discussion on the PISCES trial and its implications for fish oil's cardiovascular benefits in dialysis patients. Hear insights on the Vesalius trial, revealing the effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors. Explore the debate over beta-blockers after myocardial infarction, emphasizing recent findings that challenge routine use. Discover the outcomes of the Closure AF trial, which raises questions about left atrial appendage closure’s efficacy. Lastly, examine the OCEAN trial's low post-ablation stroke rates, reshaping anticoagulation strategies.

A fascinating discussion unfolds around non-culprit PCI in STEMI, highlighting critical listener feedback. Major cardiovascular benefits from omega-3 in hemodialysis patients are revealed in the PISCES trial. Exciting news on GLP-1 drugs surfaces as a new White House deal aims to enhance access. The podcast critiques the intriguing, yet dubious, results of the LAMP trial. Finally, a preview of pivotal upcoming AHA trials promises to shake up cardiology discussions, making this a must-listen for healthcare professionals.

Delve into the latest in cardiology as topics range from optimizing treatments for stable coronary artery disease to the long-term outcomes of aortic stenosis management. Discover the implications of recent trials, including the debate on complete versus culprit-only revascularization strategies during STEMI and their clinical significance. Learn how functional testing stacks up against anatomical assessments for chest pain evaluation and why managing risk factors could enhance outcomes for atrial fibrillation patients post-ablation.

Explore the innovative PREVENT score for hypertension risk assessment and its application in the SPRINT trial. Delve into the mechanism of action of GLP-1 drugs, examining whether weight loss drives cardiovascular benefits. Discover insights on the impact of CAD phenotype on statin efficacy and uncover flaws in using hospitalization endpoints to evaluate heart failure trials. John Mandrola highlights the need for nuanced approaches and evidence-based decisions in cardiology.

Discover the latest insights into anticoagulation therapies as new findings show the risks of combining antiplatelets with anticoagulants. Explore the potential of a multi-drug polypill for heart failure and the practical challenges it poses. Hear about the future of physical exams and how point-of-care ultrasound could revolutionize assessments. John also delves into underpowered trials and the implications of uncertain results, urging caution in changing clinical practices.

Discover the latest on GLP-1 agonists for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, including safety signals and prior trials. Delve into the challenges of left atrial posterior wall isolation with pulse field ablation. Learn about innovative strategies for reducing peri-device leaks in Watchman implants and new insights on atrial fibrillation post-cardiac surgery, highlighting its prevalence and duration. Finally, explore whether intracardiac echo could replace transesophageal echo in AF ablation procedures.

Discover two breakthrough drugs making waves in heart disease treatment, including sotatercept for pulmonary arterial hypertension and acoramidis for ATTR cardiomyopathy. Learn about the impactful HYPERION trial results and the cost dynamics affected by the ZENITH trial. John also dives into the complexities of pacing decisions after TAVI, detailing the PROMOTE study's findings and the uncertainty healthcare providers face. Plus, a teaser on upcoming discussions about GLP drugs in heart failure keeps the conversation lively!