Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast

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.

Join cardiology fellows Munim Khan, Shravani Gangidi, and Rachel Goodman from Tufts Medical Center as they tackle a gripping case of stress-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy leading to cardiogenic shock. They unravel the complexities of the diagnosis, discuss life-saving interventions, and dive into the unique heart condition’s characteristics and recovery process. Michael Faulx adds expert commentary on management strategies, highlighting the intricacies of treatment and the importance of understanding this extraordinary cardiac syndrome.

Dr. Brittany Weber, a leading figure in cardio-rheumatology at Harvard, and Dr. Michael Garshick, an expert on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases at NYU, share fascinating insights on the connection between inflammation and cardiovascular disease. They discuss the inflammatory hypothesis of atherosclerosis and explore the implications of managing inflammation in patients with rheumatic conditions. Key topics include the role of advanced imaging, the significance of biomarkers like high sensitivity CRP, and practical strategies for using colchicine to enhance patient care.

Natalie Tapaskar, a UTSW AHFT Cardiologist and CardioNerds FIT Ambassador, joins Dr. Robert Mentz, an expert in heart failure and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cardiac Failure. In their discussion, they delve into the 2022 heart failure management guidelines, particularly the use of mineralocorticoid antagonists like spironolactone for treating decompensated heart failure. They also cover strategies for managing hyperkalemia in heart failure patients, emphasizing the importance of careful potassium monitoring and optimizing treatment outcomes.

Discover the latest insights on managing heart failure and chronic severe mitral regurgitation. Experts discuss guideline-directed therapy and the importance of transcatheter interventions. Hear about the critical role of multidisciplinary teams in decision-making and the impact of optimizing treatment on heart remodeling. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming AHA Scientific Sessions 2024 and women's cardiology initiatives. This engaging conversation is packed with valuable information for both practitioners and patients.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Paul Ridker, a leading expert from Harvard known for his innovations in cardiovascular inflammation. He sheds light on how inflammatory markers like hs-CRP are crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk. The conversation highlights insights from groundbreaking studies, including JUPITER and CANTOS, which paved the way for new treatment strategies. Dr. Ridker also explores the connection between autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular health, emphasizing the importance of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for risk reduction.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, a prominent cardiology expert and advocate for diversity in medicine, joins the discussion to unpack the 2022 heart failure management guidelines. He dives into critical case studies that shape best practices and the significance of device therapies like cardiac resynchronization therapy. Yancy emphasizes patient-centered decision-making, particularly for women and older adults. Listeners can expect a rich exploration of economic factors and guideline variances in treating ischemic versus non-ischemic heart failure, all while stressing the importance of shared decision-making.

Dr. Minnow Walsh, Medical Director at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center, shares her inspiring journey in cardiology and her recent work on the ACC statement regarding career flexibility. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of diversity and inclusion in the medical field. Haval Kelly, a refugee turned cardiologist, adds his unique perspective on overcoming adversity and advocating for underserved communities. Together, they highlight the need for mentorship and compassion in medicine, fostering a welcoming environment for future generations.