Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast

Join Spencer Weintraub, Chief Resident of Internal Medicine, Michael Albosta, a third-year resident, and Zahid Ahmad, an Associate Professor specializing in lipid disorders, as they unravel a compelling case of hypertriglyceridemia. They discuss its link to acute pancreatitis in a woman with a complex medical history, emphasizing diagnosis challenges and management strategies. The conversation dives into lifestyle changes, innovative therapies, and the critical role of nutrition in controlling triglyceride levels, offering valuable insights for preventing cardiovascular complications.

Dr. Sri Mandava, a cardiology fellow at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Dr. Pranav Venkataraman, an attending physician, delve into a gripping case involving cardiac sarcoidosis presenting as a STEMI in a 57-year-old man. They discuss the challenges of diagnosing unusual STEMI without typical coronary artery disease, emphasizing the role of advanced imaging techniques. The complexities of managing cardiac sarcoidosis and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent sudden cardiac events are also highlighted, showcasing critical decision-making in cardiology.

Dr. Daniel Judge, a leading expert in cardiovascular genetics at the Medical University of South Carolina, shares his insights on transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms like ventricular hypertrophy and carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Judge also dives into innovative treatments, including gene-silencing technologies and antibody-based therapies, emphasizing the rapid advancements in this field. His passion for early diagnosis and improving patient outcomes shines throughout the conversation.

Dr. Jeff Healey, a pioneer in ventricular arrhythmias research, and Dr. Roderick Tung, an expert in arrhythmia management, delve into the VANISH2 trial's crucial findings. They discuss the effectiveness of catheter ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The conversation highlights the trial's impact on treatment choices and patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions. Additionally, they explore the complexities of managing non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and address safety considerations in arrhythmia therapies.

Nikita Mishra and Rohan Ganti are first-year cardiology fellows at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson, while Sabahat Bokhari is a recognized professor and center director. They delve into a puzzling case of a 61-year-old man experiencing refractory ventricular tachycardia, requiring extensive defibrillation efforts. The discussion covers diagnostic strategies for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the complexities of medication management, and the critical role of advanced imaging. They also highlight tools to enhance clinician support and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in patient care.

Dr. Prashanthan Sanders, a leader in atrial fibrillation prevention, and Dr. Mehak Dhande, an electrophysiologist focusing on lifestyle changes, discuss the groundbreaking ARREST-AF trial. They reveal how an intensive risk factor management program significantly improved outcomes for atrial fibrillation patients. Topics include successful lifestyle modifications like weight loss and better management of health conditions, along with strategies to enhance patient education and access to care. Their insights emphasize the need for tailored approaches in cardiovascular health.

Milton Packer, a pioneer in heart failure research with over 500 publications, joins the discussion on the groundbreaking SUMMIT trial. The trial investigated tirzepatide's impact on obese heart failure patients, revealing reduced risks of cardiovascular death and enhanced quality of life. The conversation covers key insights from recent trials, the effectiveness of managing heart failure alongside obesity, and the collaboration between academia and industry in medical research. Packer sheds light on the trial's strengths, limitations, and the need for further exploration in weight management.

Dr. Ronald Witteles, an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at Stanford, dives into the promising Nex-Z trial investigating a CRISPR-Cas9 treatment for ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Listeners will learn how this innovative gene-editing technology shows potential for effective therapies targeting protein misfolding. Witteles discusses the trial's safety results, significant TTR level reductions, and anticipates future applications, shedding light on the evolution of heart failure treatments and the hope for one-time therapies.

Dr. Keith Ferdinand, a leading expert in hypertension at Tulane University, joins hosts to discuss the groundbreaking BPROAD trial. They explore the impact of intensive blood pressure management on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. The conversation highlights the trade-offs of rigorous blood pressure targets and strategies for managing uncontrolled hypertension. Future directions in treatment, including cognitive health implications and advanced therapies like renal denervation, add to the intrigue, promising exciting developments in cardiovascular care.

Harrison VanDolah, a Med/Peds resident at the University of Arizona, joins the discussion on a compelling case involving a mother diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy and her infant son with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They delve into the intricacies of cardiac history and the challenges of diagnosing these conditions. Genetic testing uncovers a LAMP2 mutation linked to Danon Disease, shedding light on its familial impact. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic complexities and delivering comprehensive care for both mother and child.