Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast

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.

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.