This Week in Cardiology

This week delves into the promising role of renal denervation and the FINEARTS trial results for finerenone in heart failure treatment. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies for patients with HFpEF. The discussion also includes critical reflections on cardiovascular research, examining how marketing may sway outcomes. A significant setback in a medical device study adds to the conversation, alongside a critique of observational studies and their reliability in medical publishing.

This week's discussion tackles the significant cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption, spotlighting a new advisory from the Surgeon General. The podcast also delves into the challenges of applying GLP-1 trial findings to real-world patient care due to rigorous exclusion criteria. Insights on stress testing reveal important nuances in diagnosing coronary artery disease. To wrap up, listeners learn about a positive trend: decreasing stroke rates in atrial fibrillation patients, highlighting advancements in treatment.

Listener feedback sparks a debate over a controversial trial. The latest studies in AF ablation reveal better outcomes with PVI add-ons. Insights into the DANISH trial provide new perspectives on ICDs in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Additionally, eye complications related to GLP-1 agonist therapy are examined, shedding light on potential side effects. The podcast offers a mix of clinical findings and expert opinions, making it a rich resource for healthcare professionals.

Delve into the controversies surrounding ticagrelor and clopidogrel, with new research shaking up established beliefs in cardiology. Explore the debate on physician compensation and the impact of electronic health records on heart failure treatment. Discover why clopidogrel edges out aspirin even in high bleeding risk situations and unpack the nuances of holding antiplatelet medications for non-cardiac surgeries. The discussion challenges norms while shedding light on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular care.

This week, intriguing discussions revolve around the benefits of tirzepatide over semaglutide in obesity treatment, shedding light on accessibility issues. Heart failure care takes center stage, emphasizing the need for integrating palliative care and addressing gaps in training. The conversation stresses redefining heart failure treatment to prioritize compassionate approaches and serious illness discussions, particularly for older patients with complex needs. Clinical trial methodologies are also scrutinized, urging a critical perspective in the field.

An AHA review: the OPTION, SUMMIT, VANISH 2, SARAH, and CLEAR trials are the topics John Mandrola, MD, discusses in this week's podcast. This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals only. To read a partial transcript or to comment, visit: https://www.medscape.com/twic I. OPTION Trial For AF, LAA Rivals Anticoagulants After Ablation https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/af-laa-rivals-anticoagulants-after-ablation-2024a1000l7n 4 Reasons to Question Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure After AF Ablation https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/4-reasons-question-percutaneous-left-atrial-appendage-2024a1000l0u OPTION in NEJM https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2408308 II. SUMMIT Trial Tirzepatide Reduces Heart Failure Events in HFpEF With Obesity https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tirzepatide-reduces-heart-failure-events-hfpef-obesity-2024a1000kx5 SUMMIT in NEJM https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2410027 III. VANISH Trial New Trial Result Pushes Past Antiarrhythmic Therapy After MI https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-trial-result-pushes-past-antiarrhythmic-therapy-after-mi-2024a1000l08 VANISH 2 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2409501 VANISH 1 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1513614 IV. Cardioprotection Common Heart Failure Drugs Ease Heart Damage During Chemo https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/common-heart-failure-drugs-ease-heart-damage-during-chemo-2024a1000l14 Strain Imaging Review Article https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.07.011 V. CLEAR trial Spironolactone Shows Mixed Results in Acute MI https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/spironolactone-shows-mixed-results-acute-mi-2024a1000l41 Routine Colchicine or MRA Post-MI: No CLEAR Benefit https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/routine-colchicine-or-mra-post-mi-no-clear-benefit-2024a1000la2 CLEAR-Spironolactone https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2405923 CLEAR-Colchicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2405922 You may also like: The Bob Harrington Show with the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, Robert A. Harrington, MD. https://www.medscape.com/author/bob-harrington Questions or feedback, please contact news@medscape.net

Explore the latest in cardiology, including groundbreaking results from the SURMUNT-1 trial on tirzepatide for diabetes management. Delve into the complexities of atrial fibrillation screening, with insights from the GARD-AF trial and critical examination of the OPTION trial's findings. Discover the implications of left atrial appendage closure on patient care, and ponder the role of financial incentives in clinical decisions. This discussion packs a punch with valuable insights for healthcare professionals!

Explore groundbreaking advancements in cardiology with the EARLY TAVR trial and its implications for clinical decision-making. Discover the impact of colchicine after myocardial infarction and hear about the TRISCEND II trial focusing on tricuspid valve replacement. The latest findings challenge existing practices and encourage new approaches in patient care. Engaging discussions unpack biases in trials and the interpretation of composite endpoints.

Explore the intriguing world of pulse field ablation and its implications for non-STEMI treatment strategies. Discover the latest on oral semaglutide and its effects on cardiac outcomes in diabetes care. Delve into the complexities of symptomatic versus asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Plus, learn how the win ratio is revolutionizing statistical analysis in cardiology trials, offering fresh insights into treatment efficacy. This episode is packed with essential updates and thought-provoking discussions for healthcare professionals.

Listeners weigh in on the limitations of the C-statistic in patient classification. There's new evidence suggesting that plaque buildup shouldn't be overlooked in preventive cardiology. Concerns arise over mortality rates linked to Watchman implants, prompting a discussion on the importance of deprescribing in elder care. Additionally, emerging studies reveal how medication management affects cognitive decline, especially in older adults.