JACC This Week

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study on using artificial intelligence (AI) in electrocardiograms (ECGs) to assess left ventricular diastolic function and predict outcomes in patients with significant mitral regurgitation. The study demonstrates that AI-driven ECGs can offer comparable prognostic value to traditional echocardiography, identifying high-risk patients and potentially revolutionizing cardiovascular diagnostics, though challenges around sensitivity, specificity, and patient selection remain.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study revealing that women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy face a higher risk of early coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. The findings emphasize the need for proactive cardiovascular monitoring and tailored prevention strategies, as these women are more susceptible to both obstructive and non-obstructive heart conditions later in life.

This podcast discusses a significant study that reveals cardiovascular disease occurs up to 30 years before a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for those at risk. The findings suggest that addressing metabolic risk factors well before the clinical onset of diabetes could help prevent the rise of cardiovascular events, a growing global health concern.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the December 3rd, 2024 issue of JACC, highlighting four impactful studies that reshape our understanding of cardiovascular disease. From early cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetes to innovative treatments for endocarditis, these studies emphasize the importance of early intervention, advanced diagnostics, and evolving treatment strategies in heart health.

JACC Associate Editor Theresa McDonagh, MBBCH speaks with author Akshay S. Desai, MD, FACC about this paper on pulse pressure published in JACC and presented at AHA. In a pooled analysis of 16,950 patients with chronic HFmrEF or HFpEF enrolled from 4 global randomized clinical trials, a J-shaped relationship was observed between SBP and the risk of adverse CV events, with the lowest risk occurring at SBP values between 120 and 130 mmHg. A similar pattern was seen with PP, with the lowest risk found between 50 and 60 mmHg. Both higher SBP and higher PP independently predicted adverse CV events. Notably, PP remained a strong predictor of CV risk, independent of baseline SBP.

Join Dr. Harlan Krumholz and Dr. Milton Packer as they discuss the groundbreaking SUMMIT trial, a study poised to redefine treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) linked to obesity. Dive into the trial's unique methodology, compelling results, and transformative implications for patient care.

Harlan Krumholz, editor-in-chief of JACC, provides a wrap-up of the JACC papers at the AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago in 2024. JACC's Obesity Revolution page features various trials to provide perspectives on obesity, including SUMMIT, LookAHEAD, and SELECT. Other studies featured include the DANGER trial; REALIZE-K; AMPLATZER; HELIOS-B; a study on sedentary behaviors from the UK Biobank; systolic pressure and blood pressure in patients with HFpEF; rural and urban differences in cardiovascular mortality from 2010-2022; and the association of hospital cardiologist integration with patient outcomes

JACC Associate Editor Michelle M. Kittleson, MD, PhD, FACC, interviews author Mikhail Kosiborod, MD, FACC about his REALIZE-K study published in JACC and presented at AHA. In participants with HFrEF and hyperkalemia, SZC led to large improvements in the percentage of participants with normokalemia while on optimal spironolactone dose, and reduced risk of hyperkalemia and down-titration/discontinuation of spironolactone. More participants had HF events with SZC than placebo; this difference was limited to those with very high NTproBNP levels.

JACC Associate Editor Marc P. Bonaca, MD, FACC, speaks with author Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, and A. Michael A. Lincoff, MD, FACC, about this brief report published in JACC and presented at AHA. Following CABG surgery there remains a markedly high risk of persistent ischemic events, heart failure, and mortality. Semaglutide consistently reduced all cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

JACC Associate Editor Neha J. Pagidipati, MD, FACC, speaks with author Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC about this substudy of the SUMMIT trial published in JACC and presented at AHA, demonstrating that tirzepatide therapy in obesity-related HFpEF led to reduced LV mass and paracardiac adipose tissue as compared to placebo and the change in LV mass paralleled weight loss. These physiologic changes may contribute to the reduction in heart failure events seen in the main SUMMIT trial.