TCTMD News

Data Fail to Support Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and SCD in Young People

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:07:50 +0000

Data Fail to Support Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and SCD in Young People sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/19/2024 - 15:07

Todd Neale

Based on Oregon death certificates, the study is comforting, and vaccination is “overwhelmingly safe,” one expert says.

In Transporting Donor Hearts, SherpaPak Shows Promise Over Traditional Coolers

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:38:23 +0000

In Transporting Donor Hearts, SherpaPak Shows Promise Over Traditional Coolers sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/18/2024 - 17:38

Yael L. Maxwell

Compared with cold storage, the organ-preservation system helped posttransplant outcomes despite longer ischemic times.

New Heart Failure After AF Diagnosis Merits More Attention

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:45:57 +0000

New Heart Failure After AF Diagnosis Merits More Attention sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/18/2024 - 16:45

Todd Neale

Prevention of stroke gets highlighted by guidelines and is top-of-mind for patients, but heart failure is much more common.

Diltiazem and DOAC Interaction Increases Bleeding Risk in AF

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:04:48 +0000

Diltiazem and DOAC Interaction Increases Bleeding Risk in AF sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/18/2024 - 11:04

L.A. McKeown

Physicians have adopted a one-size-fits-all approach to direct oral anticoagulants that must be reconsidered, says Geoffrey Barnes.

INOCA May Be at the Root of Angina for Many Long-COVID Patients

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:28:00 +0000

INOCA May Be at the Root of Angina for Many Long-COVID Patients sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/17/2024 - 15:28

Caitlin E. Cox

A diagnosis can provide patients with better understanding as well as a chance to receive targeted treatment, Colin Berry says.

Lp(a) Linked to Higher ASCVD Risks in Diverse Patient Groups

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:19:01 +0000

Lp(a) Linked to Higher ASCVD Risks in Diverse Patient Groups sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/17/2024 - 15:19

Michael O'Riordan

Investigators and others think it might be time for everybody in the US to have their Lp(a) screened at least once in a lifetime.

Tirzepatide Eases Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Obesity

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:26:37 +0000

Tirzepatide Eases Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Obesity sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:26

Todd Neale

Top-line findings from the SURMOUNT-OSA trials may have implications for cardiometabolic risks in this population.

The MINT Trial

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:38:54 +0000

The MINT Trial sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:38

2 days 12 hours ago

Jeffrey Carson and Serge Korjian discuss restrictive versus liberal blood transfusion in patients with MI and anemia.

Good Early Results for Conformable, ‘Single-Shot’ Pulsed-Field Ablation Catheter

sciprian@crf.org — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:23:07 +0000

Good Early Results for Conformable, ‘Single-Shot’ Pulsed-Field Ablation Catheter sciprian@crf.org Tue, 04/16/2024 - 16:23

Todd Neale

Initial safety and efficacy findings from this first-in-human series “look really impressive,” but experts await further studies.

Free Tuition Won’t Improve Diversity in Medical School

sciprian@crf.org — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:46:53 +0000

Free Tuition Won’t Improve Diversity in Medical School sciprian@crf.org Tue, 04/16/2024 - 15:46

Chris Sossou, MD

“To truly build a diverse physician workforce, we must focus on laying a solid foundation,” says Chris Sossou.

TARGET BP 1: Alcohol-Based RDN Promises Single Treatment for Resistant BP

sciprian@crf.org — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:54:16 +0000

TARGET BP 1: Alcohol-Based RDN Promises Single Treatment for Resistant BP sciprian@crf.org Tue, 04/16/2024 - 12:54

L.A. McKeown

A novel approach to renal denervation led to improvements in ambulatory BP, but not office-based, in this sham-controlled trial.

Should Conduction-System Pacing Be Top Choice for CRT?

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:42:08 +0000

Should Conduction-System Pacing Be Top Choice for CRT? sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/15/2024 - 16:42

Todd Neale

In an EHRA debate, experts grappled with how to interpret promising preliminary data while longer-term trials are ongoing.

IMPROVE-HCM: Ninerafaxstat May Fill a Niche in Nonobstructive HCM

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:32:52 +0000

IMPROVE-HCM: Ninerafaxstat May Fill a Niche in Nonobstructive HCM sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/15/2024 - 14:32

Caitlin E. Cox

With a drug targeting the heart’s energy efficiency, the phase II trial showed better exercise capacity and fewer symptoms.

HUDDLE Up! High BP and Cardiac Changes Prevalent in Retired NFL Players

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:04:01 +0000

HUDDLE Up! High BP and Cardiac Changes Prevalent in Retired NFL Players sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/15/2024 - 14:04

Michael O'Riordan

Investigators say all players should have their BP checked, and if it’s high, get an echo to check for possible structural damage.

LIBerate-HR: Lerodalcibep Lowers LDL More Sharply Than Placebo Over 1 Year

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 20:40:54 +0000

LIBerate-HR: Lerodalcibep Lowers LDL More Sharply Than Placebo Over 1 Year sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/12/2024 - 16:40

Yael L. Maxwell

The novel agent has shown no immunogenicity issues thus far and might be a promising new PCSK9 inhibitor option.

Ultralow-Temperature Cryoablation Promising for Monomorphic VT

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:21:01 +0000

Ultralow-Temperature Cryoablation Promising for Monomorphic VT sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/12/2024 - 15:21

Todd Neale

The first-in-human results represent “an encouraging first step with a novel ablation source,” one expert says.

EMA: No Evidence of Link Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Suicidal Thoughts

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:13:50 +0000

EMA: No Evidence of Link Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Suicidal Thoughts sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/12/2024 - 12:13

Todd Neale

The conclusion is consistent with the FDA’s review of the issue.

Triglyceride-Lowering Therapies Provide Favorable Outcomes in Early Testing

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:32:55 +0000

Triglyceride-Lowering Therapies Provide Favorable Outcomes in Early Testing sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:32

Michael O'Riordan

In Bridge-TIMI 73a and SHASTA-2, the RNA-silencing therapies cut triglycerides quickly, offering hope for hard-to-treat patients.

Telemedicine Strategy After MI Scores a Win in TELE-ACS

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:13:03 +0000

Telemedicine Strategy After MI Scores a Win in TELE-ACS sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/12/2024 - 15:13

Caitlin E. Cox

Patients went home with self-testing devices plus remote access to a cardiologist—readmissions, events, and symptoms improved.

Vaping Linked to Higher Risk of HFpEF, NIH Data Show

sciprian@crf.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:46:29 +0000

Vaping Linked to Higher Risk of HFpEF, NIH Data Show sciprian@crf.org Fri, 04/12/2024 - 09:46

L.A. McKeown

With a 19% increase in new HF, vaping isn’t as safe as many patients may perceive it to be, researchers say.

KARDIA-2: Zilebesiran Drops BP on Top of Common Antihypertensives

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:31:18 +0000

KARDIA-2: Zilebesiran Drops BP on Top of Common Antihypertensives sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/11/2024 - 16:31

Shelley Wood

Effects were more marked for patients already taking a diuretic or calcium channel blocker, but less so on top of a potent ARB.

Stroke Rates Fall Among AF Patients Not on Anticoagulation

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:37:12 +0000

Stroke Rates Fall Among AF Patients Not on Anticoagulation sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/11/2024 - 14:37

Todd Neale

Findings from a Finnish study don’t reveal a reason for the trend, but some speculate it could be due to better risk factor control.

BE ACTIVE: Gaming for Points and Money Can Boost Step Counts

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:38:07 +0000

BE ACTIVE: Gaming for Points and Money Can Boost Step Counts sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/11/2024 - 13:38

L.A. McKeown

Even after the intervention ended, most people kept making progress, but now it’s time to look for an impact on outcomes.

Rox Heart Radio: DanGer Shock

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:20:14 +0000

Rox Heart Radio: DanGer Shock sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/11/2024 - 13:20

1 week 1 day ago

Roxana Mehran sits down at ACC 2024 to hear more about the long-awaited cardiogenic shock RCT from Jacob Eifer Møller.

IVUS Benefits Patients Receiving DCBs for Fem-Pop Disease

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:48:23 +0000

IVUS Benefits Patients Receiving DCBs for Fem-Pop Disease sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/10/2024 - 16:48

Caitlin E. Cox

IVUS-DCB is now the second trial to support intravascular imaging in peripheral interventions—what will it take to increase its use?

Need a Statin for Primary Prevention? There’s an App for That

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:35:03 +0000

Need a Statin for Primary Prevention? There’s an App for That sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:35

Michael O'Riordan

The technology is part of a broader push to make rosuvastatin 5 mg available OTC, a push that’s felled other statins before.

Preventive VT Ablation Before ICD Helps High-risk Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:04:25 +0000

Preventive VT Ablation Before ICD Helps High-risk Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:04

Todd Neale

If the findings are borne out in a more-definitive trial, it “could have a pretty major impact,” one expert says.

Some Degree of Hemolysis Seen in Nearly All Pulsed-Field Ablation Cases

sciprian@crf.org — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:42:45 +0000

Some Degree of Hemolysis Seen in Nearly All Pulsed-Field Ablation Cases sciprian@crf.org Tue, 04/09/2024 - 11:42

Todd Neale

The clinical relevance is unclear, with no significant anemia or changes in GFR but four patients with acute kidney injury.

Compared With Usual Care, Incorporating Inclisiran Early Cuts LDL

sciprian@crf.org — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:14:37 +0000

Compared With Usual Care, Incorporating Inclisiran Early Cuts LDL sciprian@crf.org Tue, 04/09/2024 - 10:14

Yael L. Maxwell

The message from the VICTORION-INITIATE trial is that clinicians need to be more aggressive, said Michael Koren.

PREVENT Supports Early PCI for Vulnerable Plaque, With Reductions in MACE

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:49:24 +0000

PREVENT Supports Early PCI for Vulnerable Plaque, With Reductions in MACE sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/08/2024 - 15:49

L.A. McKeown

The study may raise more questions than it answers, particularly around the idea of what constitutes “vulnerable.”

Coronary Sinus Reducer Eases Symptoms in Refractory Angina: ORBITA-COSMIC

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:01:35 +0000

Coronary Sinus Reducer Eases Symptoms in Refractory Angina: ORBITA-COSMIC sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/08/2024 - 15:01

Michael O'Riordan

In this placebo-controlled study, CMR imaging disappointed a little, but the device did make patients feel better.

EHRA, Others Update Consensus on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of AF

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:25:19 +0000

EHRA, Others Update Consensus on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of AF sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/08/2024 - 14:25

Todd Neale

The hope is that this will make ablation safer and increase the number of patients considered candidates, Stylianos Tzeis says.

Study Bolsters AF’s Link to Brain Infarcts, Cognitive Impairment

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:49:43 +0000

Study Bolsters AF’s Link to Brain Infarcts, Cognitive Impairment sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/08/2024 - 11:49

Todd Neale

Fighting for sinus rhythm might be crucial for the essential social needs of patients with the arrhythmia, one expert says.

Another Win for TAVI in Patients at Low-to-Intermediate Risk: DEDICATE-DZHK6

sciprian@crf.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:15:18 +0000

Another Win for TAVI in Patients at Low-to-Intermediate Risk: DEDICATE-DZHK6 sciprian@crf.org Mon, 04/08/2024 - 11:15

Yael L. Maxwell

(UPDATED) The investigator-initiated study was strengthened by operators being able to choose which device to implant.

ULTIMATE-DAPT: Another Boost for Solo Ticagrelor 1 Month After ACS PCI

ccox@crf.org — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:02:34 +0000

ULTIMATE-DAPT: Another Boost for Solo Ticagrelor 1 Month After ACS PCI ccox@crf.org Sun, 04/07/2024 - 10:02

Yael L. Maxwell

(UPDATED) The time to change both practice and guidelines has come, argues Gregg Stone.

EDTA Chelation No Help in Cutting CV Outcomes After MI in Diabetic Patients: TACT2

ccox@crf.org — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:24:15 +0000

EDTA Chelation No Help in Cutting CV Outcomes After MI in Diabetic Patients: TACT2 ccox@crf.org Sun, 04/07/2024 - 09:24

Shelley Wood

(UPDATED) Chelation got a surprise win in the first TACT trial, but today's null results leave room for a range of theories as to what went wrong.

Another Beta-blocker Blow: REDUCE-AMI Confirms No Benefit After Acute MI

swood@tctmd.com — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:43:23 +0000

Another Beta-blocker Blow: REDUCE-AMI Confirms No Benefit After Acute MI swood@tctmd.com Sun, 04/07/2024 - 09:43

Michael O'Riordan

(UPDATED) The latest study to undermine the role of these long-standing agents suggests their use harkens back to a bygone era.

Long-Awaited RCT Data Show Survival Benefit With Impella CP: DanGer Shock

sgutch — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:38:26 +0000

Long-Awaited RCT Data Show Survival Benefit With Impella CP: DanGer Shock sgutch Sun, 04/07/2024 - 09:38

Caitlin E. Cox

The results, specific to STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock, are striking, experts say, but much work lies ahead.

SMART: Small Aortic Annuli May Fare Best With Self-Expandable Valve

sgutch — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:56:09 +0000

SMART: Small Aortic Annuli May Fare Best With Self-Expandable Valve sgutch Sun, 04/07/2024 - 09:56

L.A. McKeown

(UPDATED) Whether the bioprosthetic valve dysfunction difference translates to long-term advantage remains to be seen, says Suzanne Baron.

Secondhand Smoke Tied to Higher Risk of Incident AF

ccox@crf.org — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 12:26:37 +0000

Secondhand Smoke Tied to Higher Risk of Incident AF ccox@crf.org Sun, 04/07/2024 - 08:26

Todd Neale

There could be confounders related to socioeconomic status at play, one expert says.

Oral Device Noninferior to CPAP for Reducing BP in Sleep Apnea: CRESCENT

swood@tctmd.com — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 21:22:14 +0000

Oral Device Noninferior to CPAP for Reducing BP in Sleep Apnea: CRESCENT swood@tctmd.com Sat, 04/06/2024 - 17:22

Caitlin E. Cox

For patients who can’t—or won’t—use CPAP, the new findings point toward a tantalizing alternative.

STEP-HFpEF DM Trial Hints at Semaglutide HF Effects Beyond Pounds Shed

swood@tctmd.com — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 20:10:19 +0000

STEP-HFpEF DM Trial Hints at Semaglutide HF Effects Beyond Pounds Shed swood@tctmd.com Sat, 04/06/2024 - 16:10

L.A. McKeown

The results are suggestive of disease-modifying benefits of semaglutide independent of weight loss, says Mikhail Kosiborod.

Full AEGIS-II Results: Raising HDL With Apo A-I No Help After Acute MI

ccox@crf.org — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 18:15:17 +0000

Full AEGIS-II Results: Raising HDL With Apo A-I No Help After Acute MI ccox@crf.org Sat, 04/06/2024 - 14:15

Yael L. Maxwell

So is this the end for the HDL-raising hypothesis? Maybe, maybe not, experts argue after seeing the full results.

Early Empagliflozin Doesn’t Curb HF Hospitalizations, Deaths Post-MI: EMPACT-MI

ccox@crf.org — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:44:04 +0000

Early Empagliflozin Doesn’t Curb HF Hospitalizations, Deaths Post-MI: EMPACT-MI ccox@crf.org Sat, 04/06/2024 - 09:44

Shelley Wood

(UPDATED) Neutral findings for another SGLT2 inhibitor, after the “soft” success of DAPA-MI, are a rare disappointment for this class.

Interatrial Shunt Falls Short in Sham-Controlled RELIEVE-HF

ccox@crf.org — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:18:23 +0000

Interatrial Shunt Falls Short in Sham-Controlled RELIEVE-HF ccox@crf.org Sat, 04/06/2024 - 09:18

Michael O'Riordan

(UPDATED) Benefit was seen, however, in the HFrEF subset, hinting at a group to look at further, whereas HFpEF patients fared poorly.

TAVI, SAVR Rates Roughly Equal for Patients Younger Than 65 in New England

ccox@crf.org — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:07:08 +0000

TAVI, SAVR Rates Roughly Equal for Patients Younger Than 65 in New England ccox@crf.org Fri, 04/05/2024 - 17:07

Yael L. Maxwell

The findings corroborate a California analysis earlier this year, reinforcing the case for a randomized trial in young patients.

Climbing Everest? Cardiac Arrhythmias Join Other Fabled Risks

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:37:53 +0000

Climbing Everest? Cardiac Arrhythmias Join Other Fabled Risks sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:37

Michael O'Riordan

Bradyarrhythmias were the most common, but two climbers developed ventricular tachyarrhythmias at altitude.

Faster CAC Progression After Menopause May Warrant Intensified Therapy

sciprian@crf.org — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:36:29 +0000

Faster CAC Progression After Menopause May Warrant Intensified Therapy sciprian@crf.org Thu, 04/04/2024 - 09:36

L.A. McKeown

Though the reasons aren’t clear, drops in estrogen likely play a significant role in accelerating plaque, says Matthew Budoff.

TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for March 2024

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:37:37 +0000

TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for March 2024 sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/03/2024 - 15:37

Shelley Wood

FDA news dominated our top stories this month, but novel science, drug shortages, and CTO PCI stress also left their mark.

Class I Recall for 330,000 Radial Artery Catheterization Kits: FDA

sciprian@crf.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:41:43 +0000

Class I Recall for 330,000 Radial Artery Catheterization Kits: FDA sciprian@crf.org Wed, 04/03/2024 - 14:41

Yael L. Maxwell

Increased resistance reported with some of the devices has led to 10 injuries and one death.