TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for July 2026

As summer rolls ahead, our top stories on TCTMD for July were far from light beach reading. At number one is a story addressing the potential far-reaching consequences of the 2026 dyslipidemia guidelines, closely followed by an article on the latest universal definition of heart failure. Rounding out our most-read content are coverage from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography annual meeting as well as New York Valves 2026, plus the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, long-term TAVI data, a look at vitamin K supplementation’s impact on coronary artery calcium, and a new role for artificial intelligence in interventional cardiology.

1. Researchers Offer Preview of 2026 Dyslipidemia Guidelines’ Impact

More than half of US adults are eligible for primary prevention with statins, yet lipid-lowering therapies remain underused.

2. Second Universal Definition of HF Focuses on Phenotypes and Etiology

The update seeks to move on from strict LVEF cutoffs and provide a clearer and more consistent framework for clinicians.

3. SCCT 2026 Burnout Uniquely Rampant Among Cardiac Imagers

With expectations to work after hours and a growing administrative burden, some say “radical” action is needed.

4. FDA Approves Enlicitide, an Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor, for LDL-Lowering

Having a more-convenient alternative to injectable PCSK9 inhibitors on the market could drive wider uptake.

5. NY Valves 2026 EARLY TAVR: 5-Year Data Still Support TAVI Over Surveillance in Asymptomatic AS

While the dataset is incomplete, the death and stroke curves appear to separate at 2 years, notes Philippe Généreux.

6. NY Valves 2026 STUN-AF: Ablation Before LAAO May Reduce Peridevice Leaks

The approach should be considered to prevent leaks, which have been tied to increased stroke risks, Vivek Reddy says.

7. New 10-Year TAVI Data Generally ‘Reassuring’ but Highlight Challenges

High mortality in elderly patients followed over a decade might complicate the lessons learned compared with SAVR.

8. NY Valves 2026 SAFER-TAVI: Radial Eases Secondary Access Site Problems

The findings should lead to changes in practice, David Cohen says, but as seen in the setting of PCI, “old habits die hard.”

9. Vitamin K Supplementation May Reduce Coronary Calcification: VitaK-CAC

But some argue that without knowledge of what the changes in CAC mean, these supplements are not ready for routine use.

10. AI Assistant Helps Prepare Patients for Cardiac Cath

The pilot study provides “a good illustration of how AI can be an augmentation to our current processes,” Thomas Maddox says.

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Whether at the clinic or at the beach, we hope you have a chance to check out our latest TCTMD offerings, from the Hearts & Minds podcast to our most recent Heart Sounds. The European Society of Cardiology 2026 Congress is fast approaching—I and L.A. McKeown will be there onsite, with expert offshore support from Yael Maxwell and Todd Neale. You can find that and all our upcoming meeting coverage here.