Cardiology Today

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 31, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like heart failure endpoints and long-term outcomes. Key takeaway: Frozen Elephant Trunk: 20-Year Aortic Dissection Outcomes. Article Links: Article 1: DAPK2 Regulates PKM2 Phosphorylation at Threonine 45 to Facilitate Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis. (Circulation) Article 2: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in adults with congenital heart disease. (European heart journal) Article 3: Frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection: long-term outcomes over two decades. (European heart journal) Article 4: Heart Failure Endpoints in FDA Pivotal Trials. (European heart journal) Article 5: Invasive mold infection in heart transplant recipients: a nationwide multicenter matched case-control study between 2008 and 2022 in France. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/frozen-elephant-trunk-20-year-aortic-dissection-outcomes-01-31-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: DAPK2 Regulates PKM2 Phosphorylation at Threonine 45 to Facilitate Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614276 Summary: This study found that death-associated protein kinase 2 regulates pyruvate kinase M2 phosphorylation at threonine 45. This regulation facilitates disturbed flow-induced atherosclerosis, a process initiated by oscillatory shear stress. The data clarify a crucial molecular mechanism by which oscillatory shear stress leads to endothelial cell activation and atherosclerotic plaque formation. This provides novel understanding of the precise pathways contributing to vascular disease. Article 2: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in adults with congenital heart disease. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614664 Summary: This retrospective multicenter cohort study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and hospitalization burden of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction among adults with congenital heart disease. The study included 4507 adults with congenital heart disease who had biventricular heart physiology and a systemic left ventricle. Results offered detailed insights into the clinical profile of this patient population and the specific impact of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction on hospitalizations. This clarifies the extent and nature of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction within this complex patient group. Article 3: Frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection: long-term outcomes over two decades. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614598 Summary: This study evaluated the early and long-term outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk and total arch replacement technique in 850 patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The patient cohort, treated between April 2003 and December 2014, had a mean age of 46.5 years; 19.9 percent were women, and 136 patients presented with malperfusion syndrome. The findings provided definitive data on the efficacy and durability of this aggressive surgical approach for acute type A aortic dissection over two decades. This demonstrates the long-term clinical profile and safety of extended arch repair in this complex patient population. Article 4: Heart Failure Endpoints in FDA Pivotal Trials. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614592 Summary: D. A. Pivotal Trials. This analysis found that traditional heart failure medication approval, based on reducing cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, is evolving. Expanding use of effective medicines has successfully reduced hospitalization and mortality rates, making incremental improvements in these “hard” outcomes more challenging to demonstrate. Consequently, endpoints capturing how patients feel or function are becoming increasingly important and attractive for new medicine development and efficacy assessment in F. D. A. pivotal trials. This shift reflects the changing landscape of heart failure treatment and impacts the design of future clinical trials for new therapies. Article 5: Invasive mold infection in heart transplant recipients: a nationwide multicenter matched case-control study between 2008 and 2022 in France. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41616977 Summary: This nationwide multicenter matched case-control study identified updated risk factors and outcomes for invasive mold infections in heart transplant recipients. Researchers included 120 probable or proven cases of invasive mold infection,

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 30, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like peri-operative myocardial infarction and cardiac complications. Key takeaway: Mitochondrial Transfer Cuts Cardiac Reperfusion Injury. Article Links: Article 1: Peri-operative myocardial infarction/injury after non-cardiac surgery: association between cardiologist evaluation and outcomes. (European heart journal) Article 2: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke particulate matter and incident stroke: a US nationwide study. (European heart journal) Article 3: Pushing the Limits of Death-Rapid Ultra-Oxygenated Recovery Without Pre-Implant Heart Reanimation in Circulatory Death With Prolonged ‘No-Touch’ Period. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Circulating Mitochondrial Transfer Carrying Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Reduces Oxidative Cell Death in Prolonged Cold-induced Cardiac Reperfusion Injury in Heart Transplantation. (Transplantation) Article 5: One-Year Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Prescribed Quadruple Medical Therapy at Discharge. (JAMA cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/mitochondrial-transfer-cuts-cardiac-reperfusion-injury-01-30-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Peri-operative myocardial infarction/injury after non-cardiac surgery: association between cardiologist evaluation and outcomes. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41610880 Summary: Peri-operative myocardial infarction or injury is a common cardiac complication observed after non-cardiac surgery. In a multicenter prospective study, cardiologist evaluation of patients developing peri-operative myocardial infarction or injury was inconsistently applied within active surveillance programs. This inconsistent evaluation was primarily due to staffing constraints. The study highlighted a significant variability in specialist involvement for this high-risk patient population. Article 2: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke particulate matter and incident stroke: a US nationwide study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41587749 Summary: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke fine particulate matter, specifically P. M. two point five, constitutes a growing public health concern. While short-term exposure is established to impact cardiovascular outcomes, the long-term effects on incident stroke remained significantly understudied. Data from Medicare beneficiaries aged sixty-five years and older from 2007 to 2018 were analyzed to investigate the association between prolonged wildfire smoke exposure and stroke incidence. This research established the critical need for further understanding this environmental risk factor’s impact on cerebrovascular health. Article 3: Pushing the Limits of Death-Rapid Ultra-Oxygenated Recovery Without Pre-Implant Heart Reanimation in Circulatory Death With Prolonged ‘No-Touch’ Period. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41611105 Summary: Researchers developed a novel method for rapid ultra-oxygenated recovery of cardiac allografts from donation after circulatory death donors. This technique enables successful heart transplantation without the need for traditional pre-implant heart reanimation, a process historically used to ensure graft viability and function. This innovative approach expands the donor pool for adult heart transplantation by optimizing graft retrieval. Clinical application considerations persist regarding its global use, particularly in scenarios involving prolonged ‘no-touch’ periods. Article 4: Circulating Mitochondrial Transfer Carrying Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Reduces Oxidative Cell Death in Prolonged Cold-induced Cardiac Reperfusion Injury in Heart Transplantation. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41604459 Summary: This study demonstrated that circulating mitochondrial transfer carrying dihydroorotate dehydrogenase reduces oxidative cell death in prolonged cold-induced cardiac reperfusion injury during heart transplantation. Prolonged cold myocardial ischemia or reperfusion injury, characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, significantly limits cardiac transplantation success. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase is a crucial mitochondrial enzyme for redox homeostasis and ferroptosis suppression, but its clinical utility is hindered by a short ischemic half-life and poor targeting. The research developed cardiomyocyte-targeted mitochondria designed for sustained delivery of this enzyme, effectively mitigating this form of injury. Article 5: One-Year Outcomes in Patients Hos

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 29, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like glycated haemoglobin and drug-eluting stents. Key takeaway: Breast Cancer Unmasks Latent P. A. H. Susceptibility. Article Links: Article 1: Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty vs Up-Front Stenting for De Novo CAD: 3-Year Follow-Up of REC-CAGEFREE I Trial. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Wearable-Derived Training Load and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged and Older Athletes and Physically Active Controls: A New Perspective From the Master@Heart Study. (Circulation) Article 3: Breast Cancer Reveals Latent BMPR2-Related Susceptibility to Pulmonary Hypertension. (Circulation) Article 4: GLP-1R agonists and heart failure: novel beneficial effects suggested by Mendelian randomization. (European heart journal) Article 5: T cells in acute and chronic myocarditis: from diagnosis to treatment. (European heart journal) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/breast-cancer-unmasks-latent-p-a-h-susceptibility-01-29-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty vs Up-Front Stenting for De Novo CAD: 3-Year Follow-Up of REC-CAGEFREE I Trial. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41194754 Summary: The REC-CAGEFREE I trial found that drug-coated balloon angioplasty with rescue stenting did not achieve noninferiority compared to intended drug-eluting stent implantation for treating de novo lesions in coronary artery disease. This concrete outcome was observed at the two-year follow-up. The data therefore demonstrated that the drug-coated balloon strategy was not equivalent to drug-eluting stents for these patients. Article 2: Wearable-Derived Training Load and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged and Older Athletes and Physically Active Controls: A New Perspective From the Master@Heart Study. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41608826 Summary: The Master@Heart study confirmed that middle-aged and older endurance athletes exhibit an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease on coronary computed tomography angiography compared to healthy controls, despite having similarly low cardiovascular risk profiles. This observational cross-sectional analysis then utilized objective wearable-derived training load data to investigate its impact on coronary artery disease risk. The study’s novel approach addressed the previously unknown impact of objective training load measurements on cardiovascular outcomes in this athletic population. This represents a key advancement in quantifying training exposure more accurately than traditional self-reported data. Article 3: Breast Cancer Reveals Latent BMPR2-Related Susceptibility to Pulmonary Hypertension. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41603037 Summary: M. P. R. 2-Related Susceptibility to Pulmonary Hypertension. This study revealed that breast cancer unmasks a latent susceptibility to pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with bone morphogenetic protein receptor type two (B. M. P. R. 2) mutations. Researchers found that these B. M. P. R. 2 mutations, known to cause heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension, also play a role in tumor-suppressive functions. The findings link these two diseases, disproportionately affecting women, through the genetic role of B. M. P. R. 2 alterations. This provides novel insights into the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and cancer development influencing cardiovascular health. Article 4: GLP-1R agonists and heart failure: novel beneficial effects suggested by Mendelian randomization. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41609518 Summary: L. P. minus 1 R agonists and heart failure: novel beneficial effects suggested by Mendelian randomization. This study utilized two-sample cis-Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal effects of glucagon-like peptide one receptor activation on heart failure risk. The findings suggested novel beneficial effects of G. L. P. minus 1 R agonists on heart failure risk that extend beyond their known impacts on glucose control and weight reduction. Glycated haemoglobin reduction served as a surrogate biomarker in this analysis, providing a new perspective on the mechanisms by which these agonists confer cardioprotection. The data therefore indicated that the cardiovascular benefits of G. L. P. minus 1 R agonists are likely multifactorial. Article 5: T cells in acute and chronic myocarditis: from diagnosis to treatment. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41605248 Summary: This article elucidated the critical role of T cells in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic myocarditis, providing insights from diagnosis to treatment. It highlighted the emergence of newer etiologies for myocarditis, including

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 29, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy and public reporting. Key takeaway: Tailoring Antiplatelets After P. C. I. for A. C. S.. Article Links: Article 1: Public Reporting and Case Selection in Congenital Heart Surgery: Signals From a Multicenter Observational Study. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Association Between Age and PCI Effectiveness in Stable CAD: Secondary Analysis of ORBITA-2. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 3: Potent P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy vs DAPT After PCI in Patients With and Without STEMI: The NEO-MINDSET Substudy. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 4: Early vs Late Staged PCI After Subintimal Tracking and Re-Entry for Chronic Total Occlusions: A Randomized Trial. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 5: Intracoronary Low-Dose Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Primary PCI for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Large Thrombus Burden: A Randomized Trial. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/tailoring-antiplatelets-after-p-c-i-for-a-c-s-01-29-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Public Reporting and Case Selection in Congenital Heart Surgery: Signals From a Multicenter Observational Study. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41603821 Summary: This study investigated the association between public reporting and potential risk avoidance in congenital heart surgery. Researchers evaluated changes in case selection and hospital performance, using predicted probability of mortality as a measure of case-mix complexity. The work addressed the critical need to understand both changes in case selection and patient outcomes after public reporting, particularly concerning the potential for risk avoidance in complex surgical fields. Article 2: Association Between Age and PCI Effectiveness in Stable CAD: Secondary Analysis of ORBITA-2. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41603507 Summary: C. I. Effectiveness in Stable C. A. D.: Secondary Analysis of O. R. B. I. T. A. -2. The O. R. B. I. T. A. -2 trial demonstrated the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with stable angina and coronary artery disease, even without background antianginal medication. This secondary analysis specifically examined whether this percutaneous coronary intervention effect is consistent across different age groups. It focused on the interaction between age and both symptom relief and stenosis improvement, addressing a knowledge gap regarding treatment consistency across demographics. Article 3: Potent P2Y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy vs DAPT After PCI in Patients With and Without STEMI: The NEO-MINDSET Substudy. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41384891 Summary: A. P. T. After P. C. I. in Patients With and Without S. T. E. M. I.: The N. E. O. -M. I. N. D. S. E. T. Substudy. This prespecified analysis from the N. E. O. -M. I. N. D. S. E. T. trial evaluated whether treatment effects of early aspirin discontinuation differ between S. T. -segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-S. T. -segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The study compared potent P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention. This research addressed how acute coronary syndrome presentation influences optimal antiplatelet strategies post-percutaneous coronary intervention. Article 4: Early vs Late Staged PCI After Subintimal Tracking and Re-Entry for Chronic Total Occlusions: A Randomized Trial. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41295935 Summary: C. I. After Subintimal Tracking and Re-Entry for Chronic Total Occlusions: A Randomized Trial. This randomized trial investigated the optimal timing for staged percutaneous coronary intervention after subintimal tracking and re-entry for chronic total occlusions. The study compared an earlier timeframe of five to seven weeks versus a later timeframe of twelve to fourteen weeks for staged stenting. This research addressed a crucial clinical question regarding the management of complex chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention. Article 5: Intracoronary Low-Dose Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Primary PCI for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Large Thrombus Burden: A Randomized Trial. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41194755 Summary: C. I. for S. T. -Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Large Thrombus Burden: A Randomized Trial. This randomized trial evaluated the effect of targeted, intrac

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 28, 2026. This episode summarizes 4 key cardiology studies on topics like Medicare beneficiaries and ozone. Key takeaway: Echocardiogram Predicts Pediatric E C M O Weaning. Article Links: Article 1: Widespread use of low efficacy antihypertensive regimens for the initial treatment of hypertension among older US adults. (American journal of hypertension) Article 2: Geographic patterns in critical CHDs: a spatial analysis of selected air pollutants. (Cardiology in the young) Article 3: Echocardiographic predictors of successful weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in paediatric and CHD patients with cardiogenic shock. (Cardiology in the young) Article 4: Patent ductus arteriosus status and treatment response alters myocardial adaptation in preterm infants. (Cardiology in the young) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/echocardiogram-predicts-pediatric-e-c-m-o-weaning-01-28-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Widespread use of low efficacy antihypertensive regimens for the initial treatment of hypertension among older US adults. Journal: American journal of hypertension PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581126 Summary: The study found widespread use of low efficacy antihypertensive regimens for the initial treatment of hypertension among older United States adults. Analysis of a 20 percent random sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with a hypertension diagnosis revealed that most patients remained on their initial treatment. This persistence on initial therapy occurred even when their blood pressure remained high, highlighting a significant challenge in effective blood pressure management for this population. The findings suggest a need to re-evaluate initial prescribing practices to improve patient outcomes. Article 2: Geographic patterns in critical CHDs: a spatial analysis of selected air pollutants. Journal: Cardiology in the young PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582861 Summary: This retrospective study spatially analyzed critical congenital heart diseases in relation to selected air pollutants, focusing on geographic patterns. Researchers investigated 1484 infants who underwent complex cardiac surgery between 1996 and 2021. The study examined the association between critical congenital heart disease categories and maternal exposure levels during early pregnancy to nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and fine particulate matter. This work highlights the importance of environmental factors in understanding the incidence and distribution of congenital heart disease. Article 3: Echocardiographic predictors of successful weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in paediatric and CHD patients with cardiogenic shock. Journal: Cardiology in the young PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582852 Summary: The study identified echocardiographic predictors for successful weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients experiencing cardiogenic shock. Researchers retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between March 2018 and September 2023. The comparison of clinical and echocardiographic variables at the time of weaning evaluation revealed key indicators differentiating successful from unsuccessful weaning. These findings offer crucial guidance for optimizing clinical decision-making during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation discontinuation. Article 4: Patent ductus arteriosus status and treatment response alters myocardial adaptation in preterm infants. Journal: Cardiology in the young PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582772 Summary: The study found that patent ductus arteriosus status and treatment response significantly altered myocardial adaptation in preterm infants. This prospective cohort study compared serial echocardiographic trajectories across three distinct groups: high-risk infants with successful patent ductus arteriosus treatment, high-risk infants with treatment failure, and low-risk infants not requiring treatment. Preterm infants born at less than 29 weeks’ gestation were stratified using the El-Khuffash Patent Ductus Arteriosus Severity Score and their subsequent clinical response. The findings revealed specific patterns of myocardial adaptation linked to patent ductus arteriosus status and treatment outcomes, underscoring its impact on cardiac development. Transcript Today’s date is January 28, 2026. Welcome to Cardiology Today. Here are the latest research findings. Article number one. Widespread use of low efficacy antihypertensive regimens for the initial treatment of hypertension among older US adults. The study found widespread use of low efficacy antihypertensive regimens for the initial treatment of hypertension among older United States adults. Analysis of a 20 percent random sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 27, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like inherited arrhythmias and healthcare costs. Key takeaway: Connexin-43 Alleviates Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.. Article Links: Article 1: Connexin-43 Restoration Alleviates Desmosomal Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. (Circulation. Heart failure) Article 2: Estimating the Potential Impact of the 2024 UK Salt Reduction Targets on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes and Health Care Costs in Adults: A Modeling Study. (Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)) Article 3: Seated Saline Suppression Test for Lateralizing Primary Aldosteronism. (Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)) Article 4: Phenotypic Severity of SCN5A-Related Bradycardia Is Independent of Dominant-Negative and Coupled Gating Effects. (Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology) Article 5: Connexin-43 Restoration Alleviates Desmosomal Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. (Circulation. Heart failure) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/connexin-43-alleviates-arrhythmogenic-cardiomyopathy-01-27-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Connexin-43 Restoration Alleviates Desmosomal Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582809 Summary: This study found that restoration of Connexin-43 alleviated desmosomal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a fatal genetic heart disease characterized by impaired cell-cell adhesion, ventricular arrhythmias, and progressive heart failure. This finding demonstrates a potential mutation-agnostic therapeutic intervention for this severe and genetically broad patient population. This approach addresses dysregulated pathways across various desmosomal mutations. Article 2: Estimating the Potential Impact of the 2024 UK Salt Reduction Targets on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes and Health Care Costs in Adults: A Modeling Study. Journal: Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582820 Summary: This modeling study projected the potential impact of the 2024 United Kingdom salt reduction targets on cardiovascular health outcomes and health care costs in adults. The analysis found that meeting these targets could significantly improve population cardiovascular health. The reductions in sodium intake were projected to also lead to substantial savings in healthcare expenditures for United Kingdom adults. The study highlights the positive public health implications of such voluntary salt reduction programs. Article 3: Seated Saline Suppression Test for Lateralizing Primary Aldosteronism. Journal: Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582811 Summary: This blinded clinical trial identified the diagnostic accuracy of the Seated Saline Suppression Test for lateralizing primary aldosteronism. The study found the test accurately identified lateralization, defined by an aldosterone-to-cortisol ratio of 3:1 or greater during adrenal vein sampling. This finding provides crucial clarity on confirmatory testing for primary aldosteronism, addressing previous uncertainty regarding its benefit in identifying lateralizing disease. The Seated Saline Suppression Test offered a precise approach for patients presenting with high-risk features. Article 4: Phenotypic Severity of SCN5A-Related Bradycardia Is Independent of Dominant-Negative and Coupled Gating Effects. Journal: Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582807 Summary: This study found that the phenotypic severity of sodium voltage gated channel alpha subunit 5 A-related bradycardia is independent of dominant-negative and coupled gating effects. Pathogenic SCN5A variants are associated with inherited arrhythmias such as long Q. T. syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and sick sinus syndrome. Results showed a reduction of sodium current in wild-type NaV1.5 can be caused by dimerization with loss-of-function mutated NaV1.5 through dominant-negative effects. This clarifies the mechanisms underlying SCN5A-related bradycardia, demonstrating its severity is not dictated by these specific molecular interactions. Article 5: Connexin-43 Restoration Alleviates Desmosomal Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582809 Summary: This study found that restoration of Connexin-43 alleviated desmosomal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a fatal genetic heart disease characterized by impaired cell-cell adhesion, ventricular arrhythmias, and progressive heart failure. This finding demonstrates a potential mutation-agnostic therapeutic intervention for this severe and genetically broad patient population. This approach addresses dysregulated pathways across various desmosomal mutations. Transcript Today’s date is January 27, 2026. Welcome to Cardiology Today. He

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 26, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like S-wave loss and incident arrhythmia. Key takeaway: S-Wave Loss Predicts Pulsed Field Ablation Durability. Article Links: Article 1: Serial Assessment of Cardiac Mitochondrial Function in the Early Phase After Heart Transplantation. (Transplantation) Article 2: LUNG TRANSPLANTATION AFTER PROLONGED TA-NRP IN COMBINED HEART-LUNG PROCUREMENT FROM CONTROLLED DCD DONORS IN ITALY. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 3: Atrial fibrillation in patients ≤50 years: Clinical characteristics, treatment, risk of ischemic stroke, and outcomes. (Heart rhythm) Article 4: Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect and Risk of Incident and Recurrent Arrhythmia. (Heart rhythm) Article 5: Unipolar Voltage Mapping to Predict Lesion Durability During Pulsed Field Ablation. (Heart rhythm) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/s-wave-loss-predicts-pulsed-field-ablation-durability-01-26-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Serial Assessment of Cardiac Mitochondrial Function in the Early Phase After Heart Transplantation. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41572446 Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a recognized contributor to cardiac pathology and influences myocardial recovery after heart transplantation. This prospective single-center study involved 45 adult heart transplant recipients. It characterized the changes in cardiac mitochondrial function directly in human myocardial tissue during the early post-transplant period. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing cardiac recovery and metabolic status. Article 2: LUNG TRANSPLANTATION AFTER PROLONGED TA-NRP IN COMBINED HEART-LUNG PROCUREMENT FROM CONTROLLED DCD DONORS IN ITALY. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581668 Summary: Thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion is an emerging strategy for heart recovery in controlled donation after circulatory death donors. However, its impact on lung graft retrieval is debated, particularly with prolonged durations. In Italy, a mandatory 20-minute stand-off period results in uniquely prolonged thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion for heart assessment during combined heart-lung procurement. This Italian nationwide experience provides crucial clinical data on lung transplant outcomes following this specific prolonged perfusion strategy. Article 3: Atrial fibrillation in patients ≤50 years: Clinical characteristics, treatment, risk of ischemic stroke, and outcomes. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581852 Summary: The incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients aged 18-50 years has increased, yet clinical data for this population is limited. This study characterized the clinical features, treatment patterns, and risk of ischemic stroke in hospitalized young atrial fibrillation patients between 2014 and 2023. Through Cox regression analysis, researchers identified specific risk factors for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and new-onset ischemic stroke in this cohort. This investigation provides crucial data on the unique clinical presentation and specific risks faced by younger individuals with atrial fibrillation. Article 4: Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect and Risk of Incident and Recurrent Arrhythmia. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581850 Summary: Secundum atrial septal defect is associated with substantial morbidity, especially arrhythmias, despite being a simple defect. This Danish nationwide cohort study, spanning from 1977 to 2024, included all diagnosed secundum atrial septal defect patients. The study systematically assessed the risk of both incident and recurrent arrhythmias in relation to atrial septal defect closure status and the timing of intervention. This extensive analysis generated definitive data on the long-term arrhythmic burden after secundum atrial septal defect closure. Article 5: Unipolar Voltage Mapping to Predict Lesion Durability During Pulsed Field Ablation. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581848 Summary: Unipolar electrograms show utility in assessing lesion durability during pulsed field ablation. This study investigated voltages associated with unipolar electrogram changes after pulsed field ablation and evaluated their predictive value for lesion durability. In one group of 10 patients, areas exhibiting a loss of S-wave on unipolar electrograms correlated with core lesion formation. The findings indicate that serial unipolar and bipolar voltage mapping provides objective evidence for lesion

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 25, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like long-term survival and transplantation. Key takeaway: Oxygen Debt Key to DCD Heart Transplant Success.. Article Links: Article 1: Long forms of cardiac troponin T for myocardial infarction diagnosis: the SuperTROPO study. (European heart journal) Article 2: Standardized Reporting in Heart Failure Noninvasive Remote Monitoring Trials: Interventions to Catalyze Data Into Action. (JACC. Heart failure) Article 3: Intraoperative Oxygen Debt is Associated with Early Clinical Outcomes After Prolonged Asystolic Warm Ischemia Time in Donation After Circulatory Death Heart Transplantation. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: The Future of Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: Emerging Innovations. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 5: Sex Disparities in Transplantation Access and Outcomes: An Overview. (Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/oxygen-debt-key-to-dcd-heart-transplant-success-01-25-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Long forms of cardiac troponin T for myocardial infarction diagnosis: the SuperTROPO study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41579023 Summary: Current high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assays detect both intact and fragmented molecules, complicating myocardial infarction diagnosis in emergency department patients. Long cardiac troponin T assays, which measure only intact and minimally fragmented cardiac troponin T, offer a more specific diagnostic approach. This differentiation is crucial as elevated troponin levels are often found without clear myocardial infarction, and a refined measurement improves diagnostic precision. This improved specificity promises more accurate identification of myocardial infarction. Article 2: Standardized Reporting in Heart Failure Noninvasive Remote Monitoring Trials: Interventions to Catalyze Data Into Action. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41575400 Summary: Noninvasive remote patient monitoring offers opportunities for early intervention in heart failure by transmitting physiological and symptom data. However, mixed results in existing remote patient monitoring studies arise from complex program designs. Current study reports often lack detailed information on crucial workflow components, including data review and clinical response mechanisms. Standardized reporting is essential to improve the utility of remote patient monitoring data and facilitate effective early interventions. Article 3: Intraoperative Oxygen Debt is Associated with Early Clinical Outcomes After Prolonged Asystolic Warm Ischemia Time in Donation After Circulatory Death Heart Transplantation. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41580104 Summary: Intraoperative oxygen debt, quantified by oxygen extraction ratio, demonstrates an association with early clinical outcomes following prolonged asystolic warm ischemia time in donation after circulatory death heart transplantation. This physiological measure for goal-directed perfusion modifies risk among grafts with extended asystole-to-reperfusion intervals. Optimizing oxygen debt is crucial for improving post-transplant outcomes in adult recipients of donation after circulatory death hearts recovered via thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion. Article 4: The Future of Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: Emerging Innovations. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41580103 Summary: The field of durable mechanical circulatory support has made significant progress, particularly with left ventricular assist devices. These devices have evolved from bulky, pulsatile designs to compact, fully magnetically levitated continuous flow pumps. This advancement resulted in a significantly lower risk of adverse events and high rates of long-term survival for patients. Further innovations continue to improve patient management and device technology. Article 5: Sex Disparities in Transplantation Access and Outcomes: An Overview. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41572462 Summary: Sex disparities are evident across multiple stages of transplantation, impacting rates of referral for evaluation and activation on the waitlist. These disparities extend to time to transplantation, candidate survival while on the waitlist, and both graft and patient survival post-transplant.

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 24, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like high-risk women and drug-resistant atrial fibrillation. Key takeaway: Self-Supervised AI Transforms E. C. G.. Article Links: Article 1: Association of Statin Discontinuation in Pregnancy With Maternal Cardiovascular Health and Birth Outcomes: A Nationwide Cohort Study. (Circulation) Article 2: Sample size considerations to assess sex-related treatment effects. (European heart journal) Article 3: Foundation models for electrocardiogram interpretation: clinical implications. (European heart journal) Article 4: Risk-weighted apoB: a novel summary metric outperforming traditional lipid biomarkers in predicting coronary heart disease. (European heart journal) Article 5: Pulsed field vs radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the BEAT PAROX-AF trial. (European heart journal) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/self-supervised-ai-transforms-e-c-g-01-24-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Association of Statin Discontinuation in Pregnancy With Maternal Cardiovascular Health and Birth Outcomes: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41574427 Summary: The study addressed a critical clinical dilemma for high-risk women requiring statin therapy around the time of pregnancy by analyzing national health data. It compared maternal cardiovascular, gestational, and fetal outcomes between women who continued statins and those who discontinued them prior to their last menstrual period. The research provides crucial information for guiding clinical decisions on statin management during pregnancy. This data helps clinicians balance maternal cardiovascular risk with potential effects on gestational and fetal health. Article 2: Sample size considerations to assess sex-related treatment effects. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41570089 Summary: Randomized controlled trials, recognized as the gold standard for establishing treatment efficacy, frequently demonstrate a lack of representativeness for diverse patient populations, notably concerning sex. This inherent limitation leads to significant concerns regarding the generalizability of trial results to underrepresented groups. The current state shows that trial designs often fail to adequately assess potential differences in treatment effects across sexes. Therefore, specific sample size considerations are essential to precisely determine sex-related treatment effects and enhance the clinical applicability of findings. Article 3: Foundation models for electrocardiogram interpretation: clinical implications. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568699 Summary: Current artificial intelligence solutions for automated electrocardiogram interpretation frequently lack generalizability and adaptability across diverse clinical settings. These existing systems, primarily trained with supervised learning, demand extensive labeled datasets and often remain closed source. Self-supervised learning provides a robust method to overcome these limitations by extracting powerful representations directly from unlabeled electrocardiogram data. This approach signifies a substantial advancement for developing more adaptable and clinically relevant E. C. G. diagnostic tools. Article 4: Risk-weighted apoB: a novel summary metric outperforming traditional lipid biomarkers in predicting coronary heart disease. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568673 Summary: Existing lipid biomarkers, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, incompletely capture coronary heart disease risk from all apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein B alone improves risk prediction, but elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) can still lead to underestimated risk. A novel metric, risk-weighted apolipoprotein B, was specifically developed to consolidate the risk contributions from low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and lipoprotein(a) into a single value. This metric addresses a significant gap in fully assessing total atherogenic particle burden for improved risk stratification. Article 5: Pulsed field vs radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the BEAT PAROX-AF trial. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568658 Summary: The B.E.A.T. P.A.R.O.X.-A.F. trial conducted a European multicenter randomized comparison of pulsed field ablation versus radiofrequency ablation. This superiority study evaluated the single-procedure efficacy and safety of these two distinct modalities for patients with symptomatic, drug-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The trial rigorously assessed the comparative performance of pulsed field ablation

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 23, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like arrhythmia detection and smartwatch. Key takeaway: PCOS Raises Long-Term Arrhythmia Risk. Article Links: Article 1: Enhanced Detection and Prompt Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Using Apple Watch: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Electromechanically Optimized Right Ventricular Pacing for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The EMORI-HCM Trial. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 3: Association of Pre-Fontan Hemodynamics With Long-Term Outcomes After Fontan Palliation: A Study From the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium. (Circulation) Article 4: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the Long-term Risk of Arrhythmias. (Circulation) Article 5: Sex and gender differences in coronary pathophysiology and ischaemic heart disease. (European heart journal) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/pcos-raises-long-term-arrhythmia-risk-01-23-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Enhanced Detection and Prompt Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Using Apple Watch: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41569211 Summary: Atrial fibrillation, a common cardiac arrhythmia, frequently remains undiagnosed due to its paroxysmal and asymptomatic nature, serving as a major cause of stroke. Wearable technology functions as a scalable, noninvasive screening tool for conditions like atrial fibrillation. A multicenter randomized controlled trial investigated the detection of new onset atrial fibrillation using remote smartwatch-based screening among patients sixty-five years or older with elevated stroke risk. This approach offers a significant pathway for prompt diagnosis, which is crucial for reducing stroke incidence in susceptible populations. Article 2: Electromechanically Optimized Right Ventricular Pacing for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The EMORI-HCM Trial. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40892619 Summary: Right ventricular pacing in symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while capable of reducing left ventricular outflow tract gradient, often yields variable net effects due to potential reductions in cardiac output. The E. M. O. R. I. hyphen H. C. M. trial investigated an electromechanically optimized approach for right ventricular pacing. This method involved precise programming of the atrio-ventricular delay to maximize symptomatic benefit. The strategy provides a refined therapeutic option for managing patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy already equipped with pacing devices. Article 3: Association of Pre-Fontan Hemodynamics With Long-Term Outcomes After Fontan Palliation: A Study From the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568447 Summary: Long-term outcomes following Fontan palliation exhibit significant variability, despite known predictions of early failure by pre-Fontan hemodynamics. A study from the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium investigated the association of pre-Fontan hemodynamics with long-term risks of death or transplantation. The analysis, which utilized data from a U. S. hyphen based multicenter registry, established that specific pre-Fontan hemodynamic parameters are indeed predictive of these critical long-term outcomes. This finding provides valuable insights for risk stratification and prognostic assessment in patients undergoing Fontan procedures. Article 4: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the Long-term Risk of Arrhythmias. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568438 Summary: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and specific electrocardiographic alterations. This study investigated the previously under-researched long-term risk of cardiac arrhythmias in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Researchers found a clear association between polycystic ovarian syndrome and an elevated long-term risk of various cardiac arrhythmias. This finding underscores the importance of cardiovascular surveillance in women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Article 5: Sex and gender differences in coronary pathophysiology and ischaemic heart disease. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41571335 Summary: Ischemic heart disease exhibits significant sex and gender differences, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these dissimilarities for improved patient outcomes. This Scientific Statement reviewed current knowledge, identifying unequal impacts of traditional risk factors between men and women. The review integrated additional contributing factors, including hormonal changes, speci

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 22, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Pulsed field ablation and chlorhexidine. Key takeaway: P.F.A. Safety in 40000 Patients. Article Links: Article 1: Chlorhexidine vs Povidone-Iodine Alcohol Solutions for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: A Prospective Randomized Study. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Multicenter Study on the Safety of Pulsed Field Ablation in Over 40,000 Patients: MANIFEST-US. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 3: Association of Autonomic Dysfunction With Long COVID: Evaluation Using Quantitative Autonomic Testing. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 4: Catheter Ablation vs Sotalol or Amiodarone for Ventricular Tachycardia: A Substudy of the VANISH2 Trial. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 5: Atrial Fibrillation Screening According to Genetic Risk: A Secondary Analysis of the Randomized LOOP Study. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/p-f-a-safety-in-40000-patients-01-22-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Chlorhexidine vs Povidone-Iodine Alcohol Solutions for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: A Prospective Randomized Study. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41562534 Summary: Cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation is associated with the highest infection risk among all cardiac implantable electronic devices. Prior research comparing alcohol-based povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis in general surgical-site infections has yielded conflicting evidence. The optimal antiseptic strategy for preventing infections specifically during cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation has remained inadequately studied. This prospective randomized study directly compared the effectiveness of two percent alcohol-based chlorhexidine with povidone-iodine alcohol solution to address this critical clinical gap. Article 2: Multicenter Study on the Safety of Pulsed Field Ablation in Over 40,000 Patients: MANIFEST-US. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41389071 Summary: Pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation demonstrates a promising safety profile, including reduced risks of esophageal injury, pulmonary vein stenosis, and phrenic nerve injury. Identifying rare complications for new technologies necessitates extremely large patient cohorts. The M.A.N.I.F.E.S.T.-U.S. multicenter retrospective analysis evaluated the real-world utilization and comprehensive safety profile of the pentaspline pulsed field ablation catheter. This extensive study included data from over 40000 patients treated across the United States. Article 3: Association of Autonomic Dysfunction With Long COVID: Evaluation Using Quantitative Autonomic Testing. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41369621 Summary: Long COVID syndrome is characterized by persistent symptoms such as heart palpitations, lightheadedness, and fatigue, even after acute COVID-19 infection. Autonomic dysfunction is recognized as a key component of long COVID, yet its specific nature and severity have remained largely undefined. This study performed quantitative autonomic testing to compare autonomic function measures in patients with long COVID against control subjects. The research also included a comparison with individuals diagnosed with pure autonomic failure, providing a comprehensive assessment of distinct autonomic disturbances. Article 4: Catheter Ablation vs Sotalol or Amiodarone for Ventricular Tachycardia: A Substudy of the VANISH2 Trial. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41217320 Summary: The V.A.N.I.S.H. two multicenter randomized trial compared catheter ablation to antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with prior myocardial infarction and ventricular tachycardia. Patient randomization in the main trial was stratified according to drug eligibility based on specific clinical criteria. This prespecified substudy directly compared the clinical outcomes of catheter ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs within these distinct drug eligibility strata. The analysis included patients defined as eligible for sotalol versus ablation based on their clinical characteristics. Article 5: Atrial Fibrillation Screening According to Genetic Risk: A Secondary Analysis of the Randomized LOOP Study. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41159983 Summary: Polygenic risk scores demonstrate considerable promise for risk stratification and screening in cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation. This prespecified post hoc analysis of the randomized L.O.O.P. study investigated the

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 21, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like inflammatory heart disease and mitral stenosis. Key takeaway: Asporin Stabilizes Plaque, Cuts C. V. Events 55%. Article Links: Article 1: Myocarditis and look-alikes: when the diagnosis matters. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 2: Pearls and pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of mitral annular calcification. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 3: Low Serum Lysophospholipids Predict Increased In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Impact of G protein-coupled receptor autoantibodies on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. (International journal of cardiology) Article 5: Elevated asporin expression in human atherosclerotic plaques promotes their stability and reduces the risk for cardiovascular events. (Cardiovascular research) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/asporin-stabilizes-plaque-cuts-c-v-events-55-01-21-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Myocarditis and look-alikes: when the diagnosis matters. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41558852 Summary: Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle that can be triggered by various causes. While most cases heal, selected forms of myocarditis and conditions mimicking it necessitate targeted diagnostic strategies to improve patient outcomes. Accurate diagnosis of these distinct conditions is critical because they demand individualized therapeutic approaches. The review highlighted that differentiating between myocarditis and its five look-alike conditions directly impacts treatment selection and patient prognosis. Article 2: Pearls and pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of mitral annular calcification. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41558851 Summary: Mitral annular calcification is a progressive degenerative process that significantly impacts cardiovascular health. It contributes to mitral valve dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, systemic embolization, and increased overall cardiovascular risk. This condition now represents the primary cause of mitral stenosis in developed countries, surpassing rheumatic disease. Understanding its pathophysiology, involving chronic mechanical stress and pro-inflammatory activation, is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management. Article 3: Low Serum Lysophospholipids Predict Increased In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41553073 Summary: A study involving 315 discovery and 139 validation patients with acute heart failure found that low serum lysophospholipids, specifically lysophosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine, independently predicted increased in-hospital mortality. Reduced lysophosphatidylcholine (18:2) was associated with a 2.3-fold higher risk of in-hospital mortality in the discovery cohort, with a P value of less than 0.001. This association was confirmed in the validation cohort, showing a 1.9-fold higher risk with a P value of 0.02. Combining low lysophosphatidylcholine (18:2) levels with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide significantly improved risk stratification for acute heart failure patients. Article 4: Impact of G protein-coupled receptor autoantibodies on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Journal: International journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41558628 Summary: G protein-coupled receptor autoantibodies (G. P. C. R.-A. A.s) are identified as having implications across various cardiovascular disorders. The current evidence demonstrated that their specific prognostic value for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with S. T.-segment elevation myocardial infarction remained unclear. In this context, a study involving 436 patients with S. T.-segment elevation myocardial infarction found that serum levels of five distinct G. P. C. R.-A. A.s—beta one, beta two, alpha one, angiotensin type one, and endothelin type one receptor autoantibodies—were measured. All included patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and completed a one-year follow-up period. Article 5: Elevated asporin expression in human atherosclerotic plaques promotes their stability and reduces the risk for cardiovascular events. Journal: Cardiovascular research PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557654 Summary: A study quantifying asporin protein in 176 human carotid endarterectomy plaques found that elevated asporin expression was independently associated with markers of atherosclerotic plaque stability. Specifically, higher asporin levels correlated with increased collagen type one and s

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 20, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like global mortality and global health. Key takeaway: Histone Lactylation Aggravates Aortic Aneurysm. Article Links: Article 1: Environmental Stressors and Cardiovascular Health: Acting Locally for Global Impact in a Changing World: A statement of the European Society of Cardiology, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the World Heart Federation. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Histone Lactylation-Mediated Metabolic Remodeling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Aggravates Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection by Promoting Lactate Accumulation. (Circulation) Article 3: Environmental stressors and cardiovascular health: acting locally for global impact in a changing world. (European heart journal) Article 4: Regulation of Vascular Tone of Preglomerular Renal Vasculature by Caldesmon. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Clinical Impact of Switching From or Persisting With Rivaroxaban or Apixaban After a Bleeding Event: A Real-World Study in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/histone-lactylation-aggravates-aortic-aneurysm-01-20-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Environmental Stressors and Cardiovascular Health: Acting Locally for Global Impact in a Changing World: A statement of the European Society of Cardiology, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the World Heart Federation. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41556866 Summary: A joint statement from leading cardiology organizations reported that non-communicable diseases account for 70 percent of global mortality, resulting in over 38 million deaths annually, with cardiovascular disease comprising most fatalities. The statement concluded that ubiquitous environmental risk factors significantly contribute to the genesis and rising prevalence of these diseases. This collective assessment underscores the critical impact of interconnected anthropogenic environmental stressors on cardiovascular health, requiring global and local action. Article 2: Histone Lactylation-Mediated Metabolic Remodeling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Aggravates Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection by Promoting Lactate Accumulation. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487086 Summary: This study found that histone lactylation mediates metabolic remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cells. This process aggravates aortic aneurysm and dissection by promoting lactate accumulation. Researchers observed this epigenetic regulation of histone lactylation in the aorta of patients with aortic aneurysm and in a murine model of aortic aneurysm and dissection. Article 3: Environmental stressors and cardiovascular health: acting locally for global impact in a changing world. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41556518 Summary: This statement from major cardiology organizations reported that non-communicable diseases cause 70 percent of global mortality, leading to over 38 million deaths annually, with cardiovascular disease as the primary contributor. It concluded that ubiquitous environmental risk factors increasingly influence the genesis and rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The assessment underscores the profound impact of interconnected human-caused environmental stressors on cardiovascular health. Article 4: Regulation of Vascular Tone of Preglomerular Renal Vasculature by Caldesmon. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41553092 Summary: This study established that caldesmon, an actomyosin-tropomyosin-binding protein inhibiting actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase activity, regulates vascular tone in the preglomerular renal vasculature. Researchers assessed the expression of caldesmon, myosin light chain, and alpha-smooth muscle actin in interlobar arteries from young and old mice. The study also analyzed human renal arteries from patients who underwent nephrectomy or tumor enucleation, providing further evidence for this regulatory mechanism. Article 5: Clinical Impact of Switching From or Persisting With Rivaroxaban or Apixaban After a Bleeding Event: A Real-World Study in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41553085 Summary: This real-world study characterized the clinical impact of changing or continuing direct oral anticoagulants after a bleeding event in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The research specifically analyzed outcomes when patients switched from or persisted with rivaroxaban or apixaban. Researchers utilized United States claim

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 20, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like tributyrin and imaging marker. Key takeaway: COVID Antiviral Safety with DOACs in A. Fib. Article Links: Article 1: Oral tributyrin supplementation induces Treg-mediated immune regulation and prolongs allograft survival in preclinical transplant models. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 2: Exhausted/Senescent CD4+ T cells as Predictors of Vaccine Failure and Severe COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 3: Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for Treating In-Stent Restenosis in Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients: A Subanalysis From the AGENT IDE Trial. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Island Sign on Computed Tomography Is Associated With Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Safety and Efficacy of Concomitant Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir and Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapies for COVID-19 Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/covid-antiviral-safety-with-doacs-in-a-fib-01-20-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Oral tributyrin supplementation induces Treg-mediated immune regulation and prolongs allograft survival in preclinical transplant models. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41554342 Summary: Oral tributyrin supplementation effectively induced T-regulatory cell-mediated immune regulation in preclinical models. This metabolically driven immunomodulator successfully prolonged allograft survival, demonstrating its potential as a safer, physiology-based approach. The findings address the critical need for alternatives to conventional immunosuppressive drugs, which carry significant toxicities. This represents a breakthrough in promoting immune tolerance. Article 2: Exhausted/Senescent CD4+ T cells as Predictors of Vaccine Failure and Severe COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41554341 Summary: Exhausted and senescent C. D. 4 plus T-cells were definitively identified as predictors of vaccine failure and severe C. O. V. I. D. minus 19 in solid organ transplant recipients. This study found that these T-cell phenotypes significantly impact immunity, with recipients developing suboptimal responses despite receiving five S. A. R. S. coronavirus 2 messenger R. N. A. based vaccine doses. The data establishes a clear link between T-cell exhaustion and vulnerability, providing a crucial biomarker for risk stratification in this vulnerable population. Article 3: Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for Treating In-Stent Restenosis in Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients: A Subanalysis From the AGENT IDE Trial. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41553096 Summary: Racial and ethnic minority patients exhibit higher rates of adverse ischemic events following percutaneous coronary intervention. A prespecified subanalysis from the A. G. E. N. T. I. D. E. trial meticulously evaluated the application of paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty for in-stent restenosis within this specific patient population. This study directly addressed the disparities in outcomes by assessing therapeutic performance in a group with known increased cardiovascular risk. The findings provide important data for optimizing care in diverse patient cohorts. Article 4: Island Sign on Computed Tomography Is Associated With Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41553095 Summary: The island sign observed on computed tomography scans is definitively associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy in patients presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage. This study established that the presence of the island sign and irregular hematoma shape on computed tomography serves as an additional imaging marker for cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related intracerebral hemorrhage. These findings improve the diagnostic capability for this specific type of hemorrhage. The analysis was based on a prospective cohort of patients with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage, using both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Article 5:

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 19, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like patient suitability and transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement. Key takeaway: CVD Causes 26.5% Maternal Deaths in Pregnancy. Article Links: Article 1: Trends, variation, and predictors of coronary angiography in potential cardiac organ donors. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 2: Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Cardiovascular Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 3: Real-World Suitability of Patients for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 4: Impact Of Comprehensive STEMI Protocol On Process Metrics And Clinical Outcomes In STEMI Patients With Non-System Delay. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Study design of the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 4 Study: Pragmatic randomized-controlled trial assessing the effect of early biomarker measurements and structured feedback in unselected patients hospitalized with tachypnea. (Cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/cvd-causes-26-5-maternal-deaths-in-pregnancy-01-19-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Trends, variation, and predictors of coronary angiography in potential cardiac organ donors. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41548728 Summary: Invasive coronary angiography for screening coronary artery disease in younger potential heart donors is discretionary, leading to variation in practice. This study characterized the patterns and influencing factors of invasive coronary angiography use in brain-dead potential heart donors in the United States between 2018 and 2023. The findings clarified existing variability in screening practices for coronary artery disease in this vital population. These insights are essential for establishing standardized protocols and improving the selection process for donor hearts in transplantation. Article 2: Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Cardiovascular Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41548861 Summary: Cardiovascular disease accounts for 26.5 percent of pregnancy-related deaths, highlighting its significant impact on maternal mortality. This retrospective cohort study characterized maternal, obstetric, and fetal outcomes among pregnant women with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The study included patients with conditions such as moderate or greater valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease. These findings are crucial for optimizing management and improving safety for high-risk pregnant individuals. Article 3: Real-World Suitability of Patients for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41548860 Summary: Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement demonstrates therapeutic promise for severe tricuspid regurgitation, yet many patients face ineligibility due to anatomic limitations. This study identified patients referred for transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention who were subsequently deemed ineligible for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement. Analyzing 251 patients, the study clarified the real-world challenges of patient selection and the implications for those unable to undergo replacement due to anatomical barriers. These findings underscore the practical applicability and patient suitability for advanced tricuspid valve therapies. Article 4: Impact Of Comprehensive STEMI Protocol On Process Metrics And Clinical Outcomes In STEMI Patients With Non-System Delay. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41548858 Summary: A four-step comprehensive S. T. elevation myocardial infarction protocol improved process metrics and clinical outcomes for S. T. elevation myocardial infarction patients experiencing non-system delays. The observational cohort analysis demonstrated benefits in patients with factors like difficult vascular access, which commonly cause delays to primary percutaneous coronary intervention. This protocol enhances the management of high-risk S. T. elevation myocardial infarction patients who often face suboptimal outcomes due to inherent logistical challenges. Article 5: Study design of the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 4 Study: Pragmatic randomized-controlled trial assessing the effect of early biomarker measurements and structured feedback in unselected patients hospitalized with tachypnea. Journal: Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 18, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Secondary Prevention and Cardiologist Survey. Key takeaway: Deep Learning Predicts Cardiac Output Non-Invasively.. Article Links: Article 1: Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 2: Clinical Use and Effectiveness of Colchicine for Secondary Prevention Following Acute Myocardial Infarction. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 3: Outcomes of Acurate Neo 2 Sapien 3 and Evolut Pro/Pro+ in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 4: Deep Learning Predicts Cardiac Output from Seismocardiographic Signals in Heart Failure. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Survey Study to Differentiate Vasospastic Angina From Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Real-World Management of Ischemia With NonObstructive Coronary Artery Disease. (The American journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/deep-learning-predicts-cardiac-output-non-invasively-01-18-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41253239 Summary: This retrospective cohort study utilized cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, the gold standard for right ventricular assessment, to precisely evaluate ventricular function and structure in 268 patients with acute coronary syndrome. The study specifically addressed the previously underexplored prognostic importance of right ventricular dysfunction in this patient population. By employing this advanced imaging, the research demonstrates a critical approach to understanding comprehensive cardiac impact in acute coronary syndrome. It underscores the clinical value of assessing right ventricular involvement beyond traditional left ventricular emphasis. Article 2: Clinical Use and Effectiveness of Colchicine for Secondary Prevention Following Acute Myocardial Infarction. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41241286 Summary: This retrospective analysis revealed the real-world clinical use and effectiveness of colchicine for secondary prevention following acute myocardial infarction. The study demonstrated colchicine’s application and associated patient outcomes in a large academic setting, addressing previous unknowns. By examining colchicine utilization in practice, the research clarified its impact. This research supplements existing data from randomized controlled trials that have previously shown conflicting results regarding colchicine’s efficacy. Article 3: Outcomes of Acurate Neo 2 Sapien 3 and Evolut Pro/Pro+ in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41176200 Summary: This single-center trial evaluated clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of three specific transcatheter heart valves: Symetis ACURATE Neo-2, Medtronic Evolut Pro/Pro Plus, and Edwards Sapien-3. The study generated crucial comparative data on the efficacy and safety of these newer devices for transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. By comparing these transcatheter heart valves in a large patient cohort, the research demonstrated their respective performances, contributing to the evolving understanding of transcatheter aortic valve replacement device selection. Article 4: Deep Learning Predicts Cardiac Output from Seismocardiographic Signals in Heart Failure. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41038524 Summary: This study established that deep learning accurately predicts cardiac output from seismocardiographic signals in heart failure. Seismocardiography, a non-invasive technique recording subtle chest wall vibrations from cardiac mechanical activity, proved to be an effective alternative for cardiac output determination. This non-invasive deep learning methodology offers a scalable and accessible solution, addressing the invasiveness and risks associated with standard-of-care right heart catheterization. Article 5: Survey Study to Differentiate Vasospastic Angina From Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Real-World Management of Ischemia With NonObstructive Coronary Artery Disease. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41022247 Summary: This survey study documented real-world approaches by cardiologists in differentiating vasospastic angina from coronary microvascular dysfunction for ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery disease. The research highlighted current clinical practices in managing this globally recognized issue, pa

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 17, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Palliative care and Premature ventricular complexes. Key takeaway: TAVR in Moderate Mixed Aortic Valve Disease. Article Links: Article 1: Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Current Use, Challenges, and Recommendations for Future Use. (Transplantation) Article 2: Palliative Care Utilization and Timing for Patients Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation in a Large Multicenter Cohort. (Transplantation) Article 3: Comparison of First Deflection Annotation Algorithm and Near-Field Annotation Algorithm in Premature Ventricular Complex Ablation. (Heart rhythm) Article 4: Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Moderate Mixed Aortic Valve Disease. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Clinical Outcomes in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study. (The American journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/tavr-in-moderate-mixed-aortic-valve-disease-01-17-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Current Use, Challenges, and Recommendations for Future Use. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41543940 Summary: Patient-reported outcome measures, or PROs, are increasingly acknowledged as key outcomes in both research and clinical care for solid organ transplant recipients. These measures directly reveal health from the patient’s perspective, encompassing symptoms, functioning, and health-related quality of life. The growing global population of solid organ transplant recipients emphasizes that PROs are essential for evaluating the lived experience and value of extended life post-transplantation. Their integration supports a more comprehensive understanding of patient well-being beyond traditional clinical metrics. Article 2: Palliative Care Utilization and Timing for Patients Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation in a Large Multicenter Cohort. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41543931 Summary: A large multicenter cohort study analyzing 12676 heart, liver, lung, and kidney transplants performed at three Mayo Clinic sites between 2018 and 2024 found that palliative care referrals in solid organ transplant programs are infrequent and frequently reactive. The investigation classified palliative care encounters into distinct periods: pretransplant, peritransplant, and posttransplant. This approach revealed patterns of utilization, demonstrating that palliative care is often not proactively integrated into transplant recipient care. The study concludes that current practices often leave transplant recipients with high symptom burdens and complex decision-making needs inadequately addressed by palliative care. Article 3: Comparison of First Deflection Annotation Algorithm and Near-Field Annotation Algorithm in Premature Ventricular Complex Ablation. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41544991 Summary: This retrospective analysis investigated 59 patients who underwent first-time premature ventricular complex ablation across 71 sites. The study conducted a direct comparison of the First Deflection and Near-Field detection algorithms, both employed with the Turbomap modality on the Ensite X system. Accurate identification of the earliest activation site is critical for successful catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes. The evaluation of these distinct annotation algorithms provides crucial information for refining mapping techniques in electrophysiology procedures. Article 4: Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Moderate Mixed Aortic Valve Disease. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41265669 Summary: A study of 848 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, at a single center between January 2019 and June 2024, investigated outcomes in moderate mixed aortic valve disease, or MMAVD. Current medical evidence on TAVR largely focuses on isolated severe aortic stenosis, leaving the clinical impact of TAVR in MMAVD patients unclear. This research directly compared TAVR outcomes between patients with MMAVD and those with isolated severe aortic stenosis. The findings contribute essential data for defining appropriate treatment strategies and patient selection for TAVR in this understudied population. Article 5: Clinical Outcomes in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41253240 Summary: A retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluated the 180-day clinical outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy, or PPCM,

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 16, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like stroke survivors and dementia. Key takeaway: E-Cigarette Risks for Stroke Survivors. Article Links: Article 1: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and risk of dementia: the 25-year longitudinal Whitehall II study. (European heart journal) Article 2: C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk among women with no standard modifiable risk factors: evaluating the ‘SMuRF-less but inflamed’. (European heart journal) Article 3: Regulating the Impact of Hypertension on Stroke: Therapeutic Potential of a Peptide Mimetic of Tyrosine Phosphatase STEP. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Cardiovascular Risk Among Stroke Survivors With Combustible and Electronic Cigarettes: A Nationwide Study in Korean Men. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Cerebral Microbleeds and Long-Term Affective Symptoms in Survivors of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/e-cigarette-risks-for-stroke-survivors-01-16-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and risk of dementia: the 25-year longitudinal Whitehall II study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41206213 Summary: The Whitehall two study reported a long-term association between subclinical myocardial injury, measured by high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I in midlife, and the risk of dementia. The data demonstrated that elevated cardiac troponin I levels were linked to accelerated cognitive decline, smaller structural brain volume, and a higher risk of incident dementia over 25 years. This study involved 5985 participants aged 45 to 69, with follow-up extending until March 2023. This finding suggests a critical connection between midlife cardiovascular health and neurocognitive outcomes. Article 2: C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk among women with no standard modifiable risk factors: evaluating the ‘SMuRF-less but inflamed’. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40878356 Summary: This study highlighted the substantial proportion of incident cardiovascular events occurring in women who lack standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (S. M. U. R. F. s). It found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein serves as a crucial inflammatory biomarker for identifying cardiovascular risk in these “S. M. U. R. F. less but inflamed” women. The research underscored the importance of integrating non-traditional risk markers for improved cardiovascular disease detection and treatment strategies in this population. Article 3: Regulating the Impact of Hypertension on Stroke: Therapeutic Potential of a Peptide Mimetic of Tyrosine Phosphatase STEP. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532536 Summary: This research identified that hypertension is the most common comorbid condition in stroke patients, affecting approximately 94 percent, and significantly worsens stroke outcomes. It demonstrated the therapeutic potential of targeting Tyrosine Phosphatase S. T. E. P. with a peptide mimetic as a novel strategy to regulate the impact of hypertension on stroke. This approach focuses on improving treatment for stroke patients with coexisting hypertension, addressing a key challenge in stroke pathophysiology. Article 4: Cardiovascular Risk Among Stroke Survivors With Combustible and Electronic Cigarettes: A Nationwide Study in Korean Men. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532534 Summary: This nationwide retrospective cohort study of Korean men characterized the differing cardiovascular risks among stroke survivors who use combustible versus electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The research systematically compared the incidence of major cardiovascular events across four distinct groups of cigarette and e-cigarette users. It underscored the critical need to understand the cardiovascular impact of electronic cigarettes, especially in this vulnerable patient population, utilizing national health checkup data from 2018 to 2022. Article 5: Cerebral Microbleeds and Long-Term Affective Symptoms in Survivors of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532531 Summary: This study elucidated the strong association between spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (I. C. H.) and the development of long-term cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms (N. P. S.), particularly affective disturbances like depression and anxiety. It investigated the role of cerebral microbleeds and clarified the contribution of small vessel disease (S. V. D.), which underlies most I. C. H. cases, to persistent a

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 16, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like neurokinin type one receptor and heat-related illness. Key takeaway: Substance P Drives Aldosterone in Hypertension.. Article Links: Article 1: Associations of Serum Complement Biomarkers With Adverse Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 2: Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion by Substance P and the Neurokinin Type 1 Receptor in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 3: Critical Temperature Thresholds for Identifying Vulnerability to Heat-Related Excess Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Preprocedural Left Atrial Strain as a Predictor of Long-Term Outcomes Following Mitral Valve Interventions in Rheumatic Severe Mitral Stenosis. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Effect of Mitochondria-Derived Methylmalonic Acid on Progress and Mortality Risk in US Adults With Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/substance-p-drives-aldosterone-in-hypertension-01-16-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Associations of Serum Complement Biomarkers With Adverse Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532542 Summary: This study found significant associations of baseline serum complement C3 and complement C4 levels with the prognosis of ischemic stroke. The research demonstrated a link between these complement biomarkers and the primary outcome of death or major disability at discharge. These findings indicate the complement system’s involvement in the progression of ischemic stroke among the 3979 patients analyzed. The work underscores the potential of complement C3 and complement C4 as prognostic markers for adverse clinical outcomes in this patient population. Article 2: Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion by Substance P and the Neurokinin Type 1 Receptor in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532541 Summary: This study found that Substance P and the neurokinin type one receptor are highly expressed in human aldosterone-producing adenoma tissues. Exogenous Substance P stimulated aldosterone secretion in human aldosterone-producing adenoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect was blocked by a neurokinin type one receptor antagonist, demonstrating specific receptor mediation. Furthermore, the research showed that neurokinin type one receptor activation increased intracellular calcium concentration, elucidating a mechanistic pathway for aldosterone production. Article 3: Critical Temperature Thresholds for Identifying Vulnerability to Heat-Related Excess Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532540 Summary: This study identified critical temperature thresholds that increase vulnerability to heat-related excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Researchers established neighborhood-level associations between high-resolution temperature and humidity and cardiovascular disease deaths and emergency department visits. The findings revealed specific community-level vulnerabilities linked to sociodemographic characteristics, which influence cardiovascular outcomes during extreme heat events. This work provides essential data for understanding and mitigating the impact of environmental heat on cardiovascular health across different populations. Article 4: Preprocedural Left Atrial Strain as a Predictor of Long-Term Outcomes Following Mitral Valve Interventions in Rheumatic Severe Mitral Stenosis. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532539 Summary: This study found that preprocedural left atrial strain predicts long-term outcomes following mitral valve interventions in patients with rheumatic severe mitral stenosis. The research utilized data from the MASTER registry to establish specific predictive relationships for patient prognosis. Patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty or mitral valve replacement demonstrated outcomes correlated with their baseline left atrial strain measurements. These findings highlight left atrial strain as a valuable prognostic indicator for risk stratification and treatment planning in this specific patient population. Article 5: Effect of Mitochondria-Derived Methylmalonic Acid on Progress and Mortality Risk in US Adults With Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532538 Summary: This prospec

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 15, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like disease progression and Heart failure. Key takeaway: Deep Learning Validates Aortic Stenosis Tracking. Article Links: Article 1: Algorithm to Reduce Inter-Rater Variability in Assessment of Intermacs Patient Profiles. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 2: Heart Failure Risk in Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 3: Enlarged Perivascular Spaces Among Hispanic and Latino Adults in SOL-INCA-MRI. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Longitudinal Validation of a Deep Learning Index for Aortic Stenosis Progression. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Association Between High-Density Lipoprotein-to-Low-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Clinical Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Registry. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/deep-learning-validates-aortic-stenosis-tracking-01-15-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Algorithm to Reduce Inter-Rater Variability in Assessment of Intermacs Patient Profiles. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41534742 Summary: Provider variability in Intermacs Patient Profile assignments previously existed during durable left ventricular assist device implantation. To address this, a novel algorithm was successfully developed to standardize the derivation of a patient’s Intermacs Patient Profile acuity. This algorithm assists clinicians in making more consistent patient acuity assessments for durable left ventricular assist device candidacy. Article 2: Heart Failure Risk in Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532552 Summary: Heart failure represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with systemic autoimmune inflammatory diseases. A retrospective cohort study of 182795 adult patients with these conditions successfully described the specific heart failure risk profiles within this population. The study also identified associations between cardiovascular drug use and the occurrence of incident heart failure. This provides important information on cardiac disease burden and potential therapeutic impacts in systemic autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Article 3: Enlarged Perivascular Spaces Among Hispanic and Latino Adults in SOL-INCA-MRI. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532550 Summary: The study identified preliminary associations between enlarged perivascular spaces and cerebrovascular small-vessel disease, cortical atrophy, and cognitive impairment. These findings were observed in a select cohort of Hispanic and Latino adults. This research specifically addressed the underrepresentation of this population in dementia research, despite their higher prevalence of dementia and vascular disease. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to investigate these critical cerebrovascular markers. Article 4: Longitudinal Validation of a Deep Learning Index for Aortic Stenosis Progression. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532549 Summary: This study successfully validated a deep learning-derived index for Aortic Stenosis continuum, demonstrating its longitudinal changes over time. The index’s prognostic association with progression to severe aortic stenosis was confirmed. Researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 2373 patients, encompassing 7371 transthoracic echocardiograms, to establish these findings. This provides a robust method for disease tracking in progressive aortic stenosis. Article 5: Association Between High-Density Lipoprotein-to-Low-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Clinical Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Registry. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532543 Summary: This study investigated the relationship between high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratios and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research successfully characterized the associations of these lipidemic profiles with functional dependence and mortality. Findings were derived from a multicenter prospective registry, providing real-world data on intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes. This addresses a knowledge gap regarding lipidemic profiles in intracerebral hemorrhage compared to ischemic stroke. Transcript To

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 15, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Heart Failure Risk and Ethnicity Coding. Key takeaway: L. A. A. Stasis Links to A. F. Recurrence. Article Links: Article 1: Implications of Potential Undiagnosed HFpEF on Symptomatic Response With Coronary Revascularization. (JACC. Heart failure) Article 2: Prediabetes, Subclinical Myocardial Injury or Stress, and Heart Failure Risk for Adults With Hypertension. (JAMA cardiology) Article 3: Agreement of ethnicity reporting among patients with cancer with acute coronary syndrome: a national multiregistry analysis. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 4: Relationship Between Circulatory Stasis in the Left Atrial Appendage Detected by Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography With Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Initial Catheter Ablation. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Plasma Biomarkers Associated With Heart Failure Hospitalization Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Subtypes of Heart Failure. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/l-a-a-stasis-links-to-a-f-recurrence-01-15-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Implications of Potential Undiagnosed HFpEF on Symptomatic Response With Coronary Revascularization. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41528276 Summary: F. pEF on Symptomatic Response With Coronary Revascularization. Patients diagnosed with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (H. F. pEF) experience poor quality of life and a substantial burden of coronary artery disease (C. A. D.). Clinical evidence providing guidance for revascularization in this patient population is currently limited. This limitation stems, in part, from the diagnostic complexity of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction itself. Understanding the clinical implications of potential undiagnosed H. F. pEF on symptomatic response to coronary revascularization is critical for patient care. Article 2: Prediabetes, Subclinical Myocardial Injury or Stress, and Heart Failure Risk for Adults With Hypertension. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41533355 Summary: The precise relationship between coexisting prediabetes, subclinical myocardial injury, or stress and incident heart failure (H. F.) risk in adults with hypertension remains to be fully elucidated. This clinical area represents an important challenge for risk stratification and early intervention. Analyzing data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) can provide valuable insights into these joint associations. Such research is crucial for enhancing preventive strategies and patient management. Article 3: Agreement of ethnicity reporting among patients with cancer with acute coronary syndrome: a national multiregistry analysis. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41529954 Summary: Significant ethnic inequalities are observed in the management of patients with cancer who also experience acute coronary syndrome (A. C. S.). Given the under-representation of ethnic minority patients in conventional clinical trials, large national registries are frequently utilized for research in this population. A key challenge, however, is the variability and unclear quality of ethnicity coding within these large datasets. Improving the agreement of ethnicity reporting across national registries is fundamental for ensuring robust and equitable research outcomes. Article 4: Relationship Between Circulatory Stasis in the Left Atrial Appendage Detected by Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography With Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Initial Catheter Ablation. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532555 Summary: Circulatory stasis within the Left Atrial Appendage (L. A. A.) is a significant area of investigation regarding atrial fibrillation (A. F.) recurrence following initial catheter ablation. Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (C. T. A.) offers a method for detecting this stasis. Understanding the relationship between Left Atrial Appendage stasis and post-ablation Atrial Fibrillation recurrence is crucial for improving patient selection and procedural outcomes. This knowledge could refine strategies to prevent tachyarrhythmia after intervention. Article 5: Plasma Biomarkers Associated With Heart Failure Hospitalization Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Subtypes of Heart Failure. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41532553 Summary: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure (H. F.) share a complex and bidirectional relationship, frequently leading to hospitalization. Multiplex screening of plasma proteins represents a powerful approach to identify biomarkers and underlying pathophysiological pa

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 14, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like aerobic capacity and valve disease progression. Key takeaway: Carpal Tunnel Biopsy for Early ATTR-CM Diagnosis.. Article Links: Article 1: Exercise blood pressure relative to fitness and cardiovascular outcomes: the EXERTION study. (European heart journal) Article 2: Left bundle branch vs biventricular pacing: mechanistic insights from a canine model. (European heart journal) Article 3: Anthracycline cardiotoxicity: role of metabolic vulnerability induced by cardiac pressure overload. (European heart journal) Article 4: Valvular heart failure: evolving pharmacological approaches. (European heart journal) Article 5: Early Diagnosis of ATTR-CM Using Carpal Tunnel Biopsy Examination: EDUCATE: A United Kingdom Prospective Multicenter Study. (JACC. Heart failure) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/carpal-tunnel-biopsy-for-early-attr-cm-diagnosis-01-14-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Exercise blood pressure relative to fitness and cardiovascular outcomes: the EXERTION study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41528824 Summary: The EXERTION study found that a hypertensive response to exercise is independently associated with cardiovascular disease. This relationship persists even after accounting for aerobic capacity, indicating it is an independent risk factor. The data demonstrated a clear link between exercise blood pressure relative to fitness and cardiovascular disease events in a cohort of 12743 people. Article 2: Left bundle branch vs biventricular pacing: mechanistic insights from a canine model. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41528069 Summary: The study found that left bundle branch pacing offered distinct mechanistic advantages over biventricular pacing in a canine model of dyssynchronous heart failure. Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and molecular measurements revealed differences in treatment effects between the two pacing modalities. These findings provide fundamental insights into how each pacing strategy influences cardiac function and remodeling at a detailed biological level. Article 3: Anthracycline cardiotoxicity: role of metabolic vulnerability induced by cardiac pressure overload. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41528064 Summary: The study demonstrated that left ventricular pressure overload, induced by aortic banding in Yucatan pigs, increases metabolic vulnerability to anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Animals with pressure overload exhibited distinct metabolic changes that predisposed them to doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage. These findings clarify underlying mechanisms by which conditions like hypertension and valvular heart disease exacerbate anthracycline cardiotoxicity, identifying potential therapeutic targets. Article 4: Valvular heart failure: evolving pharmacological approaches. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41528050 Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of established medical therapies proven to prevent valve disease progression. It delineates pharmacological approaches effective in preventing or treating heart failure in patients with both primary and secondary valvular disease. The review highlights the intricate, bidirectional relationship between valve disease and heart failure, offering guidance on evidence-based treatment strategies. Article 5: Early Diagnosis of ATTR-CM Using Carpal Tunnel Biopsy Examination: EDUCATE: A United Kingdom Prospective Multicenter Study. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41528278 Summary: The EDUCATE study found that histological examination of carpal tunnel biopsy samples effectively detects transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. This diagnostic approach identifies transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older people before substantial and irreversible cardiac damage occurs. The data demonstrate the clinical utility of carpal tunnel biopsy for early diagnosis, which is crucial for improving outcomes with available specific therapies that slow disease progression. Transcript Today’s date is January 14, 2026. Welcome to Cardiology Today. Here are the latest research findings. Article number one. Exercise blood pressure relative to fitness and cardiovascular outcomes: the EXERTION study. The EXERTION study found that a hypertensive response to exercise is independently associated with cardiovascular disease. This relationship persists even after accounting for aerobic capacity, indicating it is an independent risk factor. The data demonstrated a clear link between exercise blood pressure relative to fitness and cardiovascular disease events in a cohort of 12743 people. Article number two. Left bundle branch vs biventricular pacing: mechanistic insights from a c

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 13, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia. Key takeaway: EMW Outperforms QTc for Arrhythmia Risk.. Article Links: Article 1: Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence in Heart Failure: The Premise and the Promise. (Journal of cardiac failure) Article 2: Identification of Heart Transplant Rejection Subtypes With Circulating MicroRNAs. (Circulation. Heart failure) Article 3: External validation of an explainable electrocardiogram-only deep learning algorithm for prediction of response after cardiac resynchronization therapy. (Heart rhythm) Article 4: Temporal Variability of the Electromechanical Window in Long-QT Syndrome and Drug-Induced QT Prolongation: Value for Enhanced Arrhythmia-Risk Assessment. (Heart rhythm) Article 5: Reevaluating Internal Thoracic Artery Use in Octogenarians Undergoing Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. (The Canadian journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/emw-outperforms-qtc-for-arrhythmia-risk-01-13-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence in Heart Failure: The Premise and the Promise. Journal: Journal of cardiac failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41525972 Summary: Heart failure care shows inconsistent outcomes with delayed recognition of clinical deterioration. Traditional artificial intelligence operates at a population level, proving unable to keep pace with the rapidly shifting physiological states in heart failure. Digital twin technology is described as a continuously calibrated, mechanistically grounded computational replica. This approach represents a decisive shift for managing individual heart failure patients. Article 2: Identification of Heart Transplant Rejection Subtypes With Circulating MicroRNAs. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41521923 Summary: Circulating microRNAs are promising biomarkers for acute cellular rejection and antibody-mediated rejection in heart transplantation. This five-center, prospective, longitudinal cohort study, GRAfT, assessed the characteristics and diagnostic performance of previously identified microRNAs. The study evaluated these microRNAs alongside clinical rejection scores in distinct blood samples obtained at the time of an endomyocardial biopsy. This research identifies specific microRNA profiles for heart transplant rejection subtypes. Article 3: External validation of an explainable electrocardiogram-only deep learning algorithm for prediction of response after cardiac resynchronization therapy. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41525968 Summary: Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients with dyssynchronous heart failure, yet many patients selected under current guidelines do not respond. This study conducted an external validation of FactorE. C. G., an explainable deep learning-based pipeline for predicting response following biventricular pacing. The underlying deep learning algorithm was previously trained on over one million electrocardiogram median beats to learn generative factors of the electrocardiogram. This validation provides a new tool for predicting individual patient response to cardiac resynchronization therapy. Article 4: Temporal Variability of the Electromechanical Window in Long-QT Syndrome and Drug-Induced QT Prolongation: Value for Enhanced Arrhythmia-Risk Assessment. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41525967 Summary: Electromechanical window, defined as aortic-valve closure time minus Q. T. interval, assessment outperformed corrected Q. T. interval as a predictor of symptomatic status in long-Q. T. syndrome. This study investigated the relationship between temporal corrected Q. T. interval and electromechanical window dynamics with ventricular tachyarrhythmia timing. The research cohort included 47 patients with long-Q. T. syndrome without ventricular tachyarrhythmia, 18 with long-Q. T. syndrome with ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and nine with drug-induced Q. T. prolongation with ventricular tachyarrhythmia. These findings enhance arrhythmia-risk assessment in both congenital long-Q. T. syndrome and drug-induced Q. T. prolongation. Article 5: Reevaluating Internal Thoracic Artery Use in Octogenarians Undergoing Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Journal: The Canadian journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41525958 Summary: Internal thoracic artery use is a quality benchmark in coronary artery bypass grafting, though its value in octogenarians previously remained uncertain. This study compared mid-term major adverse cardiac events and all-cause mortality among octogenarians undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with internal thoracic artery plus saphenous vein grafts versus sapheno

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 12, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like pig model and vascular inflammation. Key takeaway: Neratinib Protects Against Vascular Inflammation.. Article Links: Article 1: The association between glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists therapy and outcomes after heart transplant. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 2: Monopolar biphasic focal pulsed field ablation directly at the atrioventricular junction and from within the non-coronary cusp: The PFA-CONDUCT study. (Heart rhythm) Article 3: Clinical Assessment of Sequential Slow and Ultra-Slow Thrombolysis Approaches for Stuck Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis as a Novel Dose-Adjusted Regimen Analysis (The Multicenter CASSANDRA Study). (The American journal of cardiology) Article 4: Neratinib, a Clinical Drug Against Breast Cancer, Protects Against Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis. (Circulation research) Article 5: Cardiovascular and Kidney Events Associated with Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability among Young Adults with Hypertension. (American journal of hypertension) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/neratinib-protects-against-vascular-inflammation-01-12-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: The association between glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists therapy and outcomes after heart transplant. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41520801 Summary: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists demonstrate established survival benefits and cardioprotective effects in patients with diabetes and heart failure. However, the association of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use with mortality and morbidity specifically in heart transplant recipients has not been previously determined. This retrospective study assessed glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use among adult heart transplant patients from three Mayo Clinic sites who survived at least one month post-transplantation. Article 2: Monopolar biphasic focal pulsed field ablation directly at the atrioventricular junction and from within the non-coronary cusp: The PFA-CONDUCT study. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41520933 Summary: The PFA-CONDUCT study evaluated the application of monopolar biphasic focal pulsed field ablation in proximity to the atrioventricular node and from within the aortic non-coronary cusp. In pig models, direct ablation was performed at the atrioventricular junction in three animals and indirect application occurred from the non-coronary cusp in five animals, followed by macroscopic and histological analyses. The investigation further included five human patients undergoing a pace-and-ablate strategy, demonstrating its application in a clinical context. Article 3: Clinical Assessment of Sequential Slow and Ultra-Slow Thrombolysis Approaches for Stuck Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis as a Novel Dose-Adjusted Regimen Analysis (The Multicenter CASSANDRA Study). Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41520805 Summary: Thrombolytic therapy utilizing low-dose, slow, and ultra-slow infusions of tissue-type plasminogen activator is an established first-line treatment for prosthetic valve thrombosis. Prosthetic valve thrombosis involving stuck valves represents a distinct clinical entity that demands tailored management. The multicenter CASSANDRA study enrolled 52 patients with prosthetic valve thrombosis and stuck valves to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sequentially combining different thrombolytic therapy regimens for this specific condition. Article 4: Neratinib, a Clinical Drug Against Breast Cancer, Protects Against Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis. Journal: Circulation research PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41510568 Summary: Neratinib, a clinical drug primarily used against breast cancer, provides protection against vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis begins with endothelial dysfunction and cholesterol retention, followed by a chronic inflammatory response that current low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol lowering therapies often do not fully address. This drug offers a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate the persistent residual inflammatory risk observed in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Article 5: Cardiovascular and Kidney Events Associated with Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability among Young Adults with Hypertension. Journal: American journal of hypertension PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41513752 Summary: Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and cumulative blood pressure exposure are associated with increased risks of cardiorenal eve

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 11, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like left ventricular ejection fraction and Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Key takeaway: I. C. D. Driving Risk Predicted by Baseline Data.. Article Links: Article 1: Sensitization in Organ Transplantation: Assessment of Risk (STAR) 2025 Meeting Group Report. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 2: Phenotypic stratification and prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance in non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 3: Predicting the risk of motor vehicle crash in the first year after cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 4: Early predictors of aortic valve surgery in patients with significant bicuspid aortic regurgitation without initial surgical indication. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 5: Insomnia symptom trajectories and incident cardiovascular disease in older adults: a longitudinal cohort study. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/i-c-d-driving-risk-predicted-by-baseline-data-01-11-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Sensitization in Organ Transplantation: Assessment of Risk (STAR) 2025 Meeting Group Report. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41519473 Summary: The S. T. A. R. initiative’s working group has held three consensus meetings and published reports that have influenced clinical care in organ transplantation. The 2025 group identified and addressed five key evolving areas in transplantation: donor-derived cell-free D. N. A. tests, innate immunity in allograft rejection, immunogenicity and antigenicity, and H. L. A. antibody quantification. This demonstrates the group’s ongoing work in translating laboratory data into clinical practice and guiding future research priorities. Article 2: Phenotypic stratification and prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance in non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40819904 Summary: This study identified three distinct cardiac magnetic resonance-based phenotypes in 515 patients with non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy. These phenotypes include late gadolinium enhancement positive with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, late gadolinium enhancement negative with dilated left atrium or right ventricle and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and late gadolinium enhancement negative with isolated systolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. The classification of these phenotypes provides a new framework for risk stratification in this patient population. Article 3: Predicting the risk of motor vehicle crash in the first year after cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40555466 Summary: This study utilized 22 years of population-based administrative data to identify licensed drivers who received a first implantable cardioverter-defibrillator between 1998 and 2018. It developed a method using baseline health and driving data, along with logistic regression, to estimate the risk of motor vehicle crash in the first year post-implantation. This approach provides clinicians with a tool to personalize medical driving restrictions following implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. Article 4: Early predictors of aortic valve surgery in patients with significant bicuspid aortic regurgitation without initial surgical indication. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40541293 Summary: This study identified a cohort of 335 patients with moderate or severe bicuspid aortic regurgitation who did not initially meet guideline-based criteria for aortic valve surgery. These patients were drawn from a single-center registry of 1927 individuals with bicuspid aortic valve, excluding those with severe aortic stenosis, endocarditis, or other major valvular diseases. The study establishes the critical need for identifying early predictors of disease progression within this specific high-risk subgroup to aid in optimal risk stratification and surgical timing. Article 5: Insomnia symptom trajectories and incident cardiovascular disease in older adults: a longitudinal cohort study. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40425274 Summary: This longitudinal cohort study of 12000 participants aged 50 years or older investigated the associations between insomnia symptoms, their long-term t

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 10, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like SHR-1918 and clinical outcomes. Key takeaway: HoFH Therapy: New Drug Bypasses LDL Receptor. Article Links: Article 1: Congenital heart defects: familial recurrence patterns in Sweden. (European heart journal) Article 2: Cardiovascular adaptation to training load in endurance athletes: a longitudinal study. (European heart journal) Article 3: Serial Assessment of Modified SCAI SHOCK Classification in Post-Cardiotomy Patients. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Anti-ANGPTL3 Antibody SHR-1918 for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. (JAMA cardiology) Article 5: Social Determinants of Health and Clinical Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. (JAMA cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/hofh-therapy-new-drug-bypasses-ldl-receptor-01-10-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Congenital heart defects: familial recurrence patterns in Sweden. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41504464 Summary: Congenital heart defects aggregate in families, necessitating updated population-based recurrence estimates due to improved survival and diagnostic precision. A comprehensive retrospective population-based case-control study utilized nationwide Swedish register data. This investigation included 51778 individuals diagnosed with congenital heart defects born between 1987 and 2001. The study established the specific familial recurrence patterns for congenital heart defects within the Swedish population. Article 2: Cardiovascular adaptation to training load in endurance athletes: a longitudinal study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499247 Summary: The study demonstrated cardiovascular adaptation to training load in endurance athletes, linking objectively quantified exercise duration and intensity to cardiac magnetic resonance findings. Researchers correlated heart rate monitor data with cardiac magnetic resonance results in 69 young male endurance athletes, aged 16 to 23 years, and 82 middle-aged male endurance athletes, aged 45 to 70 years. This approach provided a precise characterization of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling, overcoming the limitations of previous studies that relied on self-reported data. It directly showed specific cardiac structural and functional changes in response to measured training loads. Article 3: Serial Assessment of Modified SCAI SHOCK Classification in Post-Cardiotomy Patients. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41513116 Summary: Post-cardiotomy shock is a severe complication after cardiac surgery, linked to high in-hospital mortality. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions SHOCK classification provides a valid approach for initial shock staging post-surgery. This study externally validated the prognostic value and accuracy of serial Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions SHOCK reclassification for all-cause in-hospital mortality. The data confirmed that repeated application of the classification offers improved risk assessment and predicts outcomes in post-cardiotomy patients. Article 4: Anti-ANGPTL3 Antibody SHR-1918 for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499141 Summary: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder resulting in markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels due to absent or severely impaired low-density lipoprotein receptor activity. Traditional lipid-regulating agents are largely ineffective as their activity relies on residual low-density lipoprotein receptor function. This nonrandomized clinical trial demonstrated that the anti-angiopoietinlike 3 antibody SHR-1918 reduced lipid levels through a low-density lipoprotein receptor-independent pathway. The study confirmed SHR-1918 as a viable therapeutic option for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, addressing a critical unmet need. Article 5: Social Determinants of Health and Clinical Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499131 Summary: Area-based indicators of social determinants of health are associated with higher risk for acquired heart disease. This multicenter, prospective cohort study demonstrated the association of these area-based social determinants of health with clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study, involving US adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from 5 sites in

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 09, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like MTEER and transcatheter interventions. Key takeaway: A. I. for Continuous Q. T. Monitoring. Article Links: Article 1: 2026 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Performance Measures. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Deep Learning-Based Continuous QT Monitoring to Identify High-Risk Prolongation Events After Class III Antiarrhythmic Initiation. (Circulation) Article 3: Air pollution, meteorological factors, and cardiac remodelling in children: a multi-omics cohort study. (European heart journal) Article 4: VENOPULMONARY EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT: AN ELSO REGISTRY ANALYSIS. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 5: Contemporary Operator Procedural Volumes and Outcomes for TAVR and MTEER in the US. (JAMA cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/a-i-for-continuous-q-t-monitoring-01-09-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: 2026 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Performance Measures. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41505788 Summary: C. C. / A. H. A. Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Performance Measures. The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease provide guidance for clinicians, researchers, and quality assurance personnel. These measures establish standards for assessing the effects of treatment decisions, including specific medications and diagnostic tests for individuals with peripheral artery disease. They serve to standardize care and facilitate quality assurance in clinical practice and research for this patient population. Article 2: Deep Learning-Based Continuous QT Monitoring to Identify High-Risk Prolongation Events After Class III Antiarrhythmic Initiation. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41460938 Summary: T. Monitoring to Identify High-Risk Prolongation Events After Class Three Antiarrhythmic Initiation. A deep learning system called 3DRECON-QT was developed for continuous Q. T. monitoring to identify high-risk Q. T. prolongation events. This system addresses drug-induced Q. T. prolongation that can occur after initiation of class three antiarrhythmics during outpatient care. 3DRECON-QT reconstructs spatial information from a single lead vector to quantify Q. T. and Q. T. corrected intervals. Its development provides a novel approach for identifying high-risk Q. T. prolongation, overcoming limitations of current insertable cardiac monitors. Article 3: Air pollution, meteorological factors, and cardiac remodelling in children: a multi-omics cohort study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41511488 Summary: A multi-omics cohort study investigates the effects of air pollution and meteorological factors on cardiac remodeling in children. A total of 2029 children were enrolled in the Southwest Health Children Cohort in China to provide crucial data on these exposures. This research illuminates how environmental factors influence cardiovascular structure and function and the underlying biomolecular mechanisms in pediatric populations. The study addresses a critical knowledge gap regarding these effects in children, contrasting with established associations in adults. Article 4: VENOPULMONARY EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT: AN ELSO REGISTRY ANALYSIS. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41506589 Summary: L. S. O. Registry Analysis. This Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry analysis provides real-world outcomes for adults receiving venopulmonary extracorporeal life support. The study utilized a large sample size from the E. L. S. O. registry to describe patient experiences across various clinical conditions. It establishes data regarding the current use, adverse events, and prognostic drivers for venopulmonary extracorporeal life support, where previous information was limited. Article 5: Contemporary Operator Procedural Volumes and Outcomes for TAVR and MTEER in the US. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41505119 Summary: S. This cohort study investigated operato

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 07, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure. Key takeaway: CXCR6+ T Cells Drive ICI Myocarditis. Article Links: Article 1: Loss of Y Chromosome and Major Cardiovascular Events in a Prospective Study of Older Men. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Frailty Scale Captures Multidimensional Vulnerability and Predicts Mortality in Heart Failure. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 3: CXCR6+ T Cells Drive Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis. (Circulation) Article 4: Prognostic Implications of Evolving Universal Definitions of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome. (Circulation) Article 5: Inhibition of Annexin A2 Facilitates PHB2-Mediated Mitophagy in Cardiomyocytes to Alleviate Cardiac Injury and Remodeling After Infarction. (Circulation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/cxcr6-t-cells-drive-ici-myocarditis-01-07-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Loss of Y Chromosome and Major Cardiovascular Events in a Prospective Study of Older Men. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41498476 Summary: Loss of the Y chromosome from circulating leukocytes is common in older men and is definitively associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This genetic phenomenon functions as a predictor for incident major adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The association was investigated in a prospective cohort of 5131 men aged 65 years or older, providing a clear link in a healthy patient population. This indicates the role of genetic factors in cardiovascular disease progression in older males. Article 2: Frailty Scale Captures Multidimensional Vulnerability and Predicts Mortality in Heart Failure. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41196240 Summary: Frailty is highly prevalent among patients with heart failure and consistently correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. The Clinical Frailty Scale accurately captures multidimensional vulnerability, reflecting both physical and cognitive decline in this patient population. This scale demonstrates significant prognostic utility, predicting 2-year all-cause mortality in hospitalized patients with heart failure. The findings establish the Clinical Frailty Scale as a robust tool for risk stratification in contemporary heart failure care. Article 3: CXCR6+ T Cells Drive Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41498147 Summary: X. C. R. 6 Positive T Cells Drive Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis. Myocarditis is a severe and established complication of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, with a major risk factor being the use of combination treatments, particularly relatlimab combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy. This study definitively identified C. X. C. R. 6 positive T cells as the specific T-cell population responsible for driving immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis. The research revealed the critical signaling pathways and T-cell populations that lead to cardiac infiltration in this adverse event. These findings provide a clear understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis. Article 4: Prognostic Implications of Evolving Universal Definitions of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41493005 Summary: Universal definitions of percutaneous coronary intervention-related myocardial infarction have undergone substantial updates, including an increase in biomarker thresholds from three to five times the upper reference limit. New ancillary criteria, such as ischemic symptoms, electrocardiographic changes, or angiographic complications, have also been introduced. These evolving definitions directly impact the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. The changes have significant implications for patient risk stratification and treatment strategies following percutaneous coronary intervention. Article 5: Inhibition of Annexin A2 Facilitates PHB2-Mediated Mitophagy in Cardiomyocytes to Alleviate Cardiac Injury and Remodeling After Infarction. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41492949 Summary: H. B. 2-Mediated Mitophagy in Cardiomyocytes to Alleviate Cardiac Injury and Remodeling After Infarction. Mitophagy is critically involved in cardiac injury and repair processes following myocardial infarction. The annexin A family of proteins plays an important role in regulating mitophagy. This study established that the inhibition of annexin A2 facilitates P. H. B. 2-mediated mi

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 05, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Key takeaway: RBMS1 Deficiency Improves Heart Failure. Article Links: Article 1: Major arrhythmias in non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy: a novel prediction score. (European heart journal) Article 2: Deficiency of the RNA-binding protein RBMS1 improves myocardial fibrosis and heart failure. (European heart journal) Article 3: Coronary access after TAVR with the 4th and 5th -generation self-expanding Evolut valves: The EPROMPT-CA study. (International journal of cardiology) Article 4: Durability of sotatercept response in pulmonary hypertension: Insights from extended real-world follow-up. (International journal of cardiology) Article 5: Impact of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function on Right Ventricular Size and Function. (Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/rbms1-deficiency-improves-heart-failure-01-05-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Major arrhythmias in non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy: a novel prediction score. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40678978 Summary: Researchers identified a cohort of 337 patients with non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy, or NDLVC, without prior major arrhythmic events. The study developed a novel prediction score for the occurrence of the first major arrhythmic event in this patient population. Diagnostic workup including cardiac magnetic resonance, endomyocardial biopsy, and genetic testing contributed to the elements comprising this score. This prediction score facilitates improved risk stratification for serious arrhythmias in non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy. Article 2: Deficiency of the RNA-binding protein RBMS1 improves myocardial fibrosis and heart failure. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40471706 Summary: This study found that a deficiency of RNA-binding motif single-stranded interacting protein 1, or RBMS1, significantly improved both myocardial fibrosis and heart failure. Researchers observed that RBMS1 levels were elevated in the hearts of heart failure patients and animal models. The deficiency of RBMS1 regulated alternative splicing, which subsequently reduced cardiac fibrosis. These findings demonstrate RBMS1 as a novel therapeutic target for heart failure and myocardial fibrosis. Article 3: Coronary access after TAVR with the 4th and 5th -generation self-expanding Evolut valves: The EPROMPT-CA study. Journal: International journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41485619 Summary: This prospective study assessed coronary access immediately following transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, using fourth and fifth-generation self-expanding Evolut F. X. and F. X. Plus valves. Researchers identified specific computed tomography predictors for selective coronary access in patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR. The study established the anatomical determinants that impact the feasibility of subsequent coronary interventions. These findings offer practical guidance for optimizing post-TAVR coronary access strategies in patients implanted with these latest Evolut valve platforms. Article 4: Durability of sotatercept response in pulmonary hypertension: Insights from extended real-world follow-up. Journal: International journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41485617 Summary: This retrospective cohort study compared 454 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension receiving sotatercept to 963386 primary pulmonary hypertension patients who did not receive the treatment. Researchers utilized data from a global federated health research network to analyze real-world long-term outcomes. The study established a comprehensive comparison of patient trajectories between the sotatercept-treated and untreated cohorts over an extended follow-up period. These findings offer critical data on the sustained real-world impact of sotatercept in pulmonary hypertension beyond short-term trial observations. Article 5: Impact of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function on Right Ventricular Size and Function. Journal: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41485609 Summary: This study investigated the impact of various degrees of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, or D. D., on right ventricular size and function. Researchers performed 3-dimensional imaging of the right ventricle in a broad sample of 370 patients undergoing echocardiography. The study established a direct relationship between lesser degrees of left ventricular diastolic dys

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 04, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like quantitative flow ratio and sinus rhythm. Key takeaway: Thromboaspiration Not Routine in STEMI. Article Links: Article 1: Selective Use of Thromboaspiration in STEMI: CMR Evidence Against Routine Practice. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 2: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Mixed Aortic Valve Disease Versus Predominant Aortic Stenosis. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 3: Comparison of Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Following Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Adult Patients With Sinus Rhythm, Post-ablation Sinus Rhythm, and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 4: Persistent Racial Disparities in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Outcomes and Utilization Among US Medicare Patients. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Unmasking Myocardial Bridge-Related Ischemia by Quantitative Flow Ratio Functional Evaluation. (The American journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/thromboaspiration-not-routine-in-stemi-01-04-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Selective Use of Thromboaspiration in STEMI: CMR Evidence Against Routine Practice. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41483841 Summary: This study provided cardiac magnetic resonance imaging evidence against the routine use of thromboaspiration as an adjunct to primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The data demonstrated concerns about thromboaspiration’s potential to aggravate microvascular injury. The study confirmed that the effect of thromboaspiration on microvascular perfusion remains uncertain, leading to the conclusion that routine application is not supported. Article 2: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Mixed Aortic Valve Disease Versus Predominant Aortic Stenosis. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41138981 Summary: This meta-analysis compared the survival of patients with mixed aortic valve disease versus predominant aortic stenosis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The study found that patients with mixed aortic valve disease demonstrated distinct survival outcomes compared to those with predominant aortic stenosis. This research provides crucial insights into differential survival rates for specific aortic valve pathologies undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Article 3: Comparison of Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Following Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Adult Patients With Sinus Rhythm, Post-ablation Sinus Rhythm, and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41061875 Summary: This study compared the sequential changes in functional tricuspid regurgitation following transcatheter atrial septal defect closure across different preprocedural cardiac rhythms. The research categorized patients into groups with sinus rhythm, sinus rhythm after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, and permanent atrial fibrillation. The data demonstrated differential changes in tricuspid regurgitation based on the patient’s baseline and post-ablation cardiac rhythm status after atrial septal defect closure. Article 4: Persistent Racial Disparities in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Outcomes and Utilization Among US Medicare Patients. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41052695 Summary: This study demonstrated persistent racial disparities in chronic limb-threatening ischemia outcomes and healthcare utilization among U.S. Medicare patients. The data showed that Black patients continued to experience higher amputation rates and reduced access to vascular care compared to White beneficiaries. Despite national campaigns aimed at improving peripheral arterial disease outcomes, these disparities were found to persist over time. Article 5: Unmasking Myocardial Bridge-Related Ischemia by Quantitative Flow Ratio Functional Evaluation. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40914220 Summary: This study found that quantitative flow ratio functional evaluation effectively unmasked myocardial bridge-related ischemia. The data demonstrated that this functional assessment method is crucial for identifying the hemodynamic impact of myocardial bridges, which are segments of epicardial coronary arteries passing through myocardial muscle. The findings highlight the utility of quantitative flow ratio in assessing myocardial bridge severity for informed treatment decisions, particularly in cases where these bridges are associated with cardiovascular conditions. Transcript Today’s date is January 04, 2026. Welcome to Cardiology

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 04, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like dendritic cells and allograft tolerance. Key takeaway: Epicardial Cells Regulate Ventricular Compaction. Article Links: Article 1: Activation of the Immunoregulatory Cation Channel TMEM176B by a Nitroalkene Derivative of Salicylate Prolongs Graft Survival. (Transplantation) Article 2: Invasion of Epicardial-Derived Cells to the Trabeculae Mediated by NFPs-Fgf Signaling Regulates Ventricular Compaction. (Circulation. Heart failure) Article 3: Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Cardiogenic Shock After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 4: Impacts of Mitral Annular Calcification on Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Mini-Crush Versus Double Kissing Crush in Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From PROGRESS-BIFURCATION Registry. (The American journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/epicardial-cells-regulate-ventricular-compaction-01-04-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Activation of the Immunoregulatory Cation Channel TMEM176B by a Nitroalkene Derivative of Salicylate Prolongs Graft Survival. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40691833 Summary: Researchers found that transmembrane protein 176B, an intracellular cation channel, is associated with allograft tolerance. The study demonstrated that this protein controls the tolerogenic function of dendritic cells and inhibits the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome. Activation of transmembrane protein 176B by a nitroalkene derivative of salicylate successfully prolonged graft survival. These findings reveal a mechanism by which transmembrane protein 176B activation contributes to sustained graft survival. Article 2: Invasion of Epicardial-Derived Cells to the Trabeculae Mediated by NFPs-Fgf Signaling Regulates Ventricular Compaction. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41477684 Summary: Researchers found that the invasion of epicardial-derived cells into the trabeculae regulates ventricular compaction. This crucial process is mediated by Numb and fibroblast growth factor signaling pathways. These findings establish a fundamental mechanism underlying normal ventricular compaction and provide significant insight into the pathogenesis of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. Understanding this pathway offers a clearer picture of this prevalent pediatric cardiomyopathy. Article 3: Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Cardiogenic Shock After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41161558 Summary: This retrospective cohort study conducted a comparative analysis of outcomes for adults experiencing myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study directly compared patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours to those who did not. Researchers utilized propensity score matching and Fine-Gray models to derive adjusted and unadjusted hazard ratios and subdistribution hazard ratios for various outcomes. This comprehensive approach established a direct comparison of interventional strategies in this specific, high-risk patient population. Article 4: Impacts of Mitral Annular Calcification on Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41138985 Summary: A multi-cohort study successfully created and propensity score matched various cohorts to investigate the links between mitral annular calcification and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Researchers found that hospitalized patients without prior heart failure, when stratified by the presence or absence of mitral annular calcification, allowed for assessment of the risk of developing heart failure. These studies explored established associations and shared risk factors between mitral annular calcification and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundational dataset for understanding their relationship. Article 5: Mini-Crush Versus Double Kissing Crush in Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From PROGRESS-BIFURCATION Registry. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41138984 Summary: An observational, multicenter study compared procedural characteristics of patients undergoing two-stent bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention using either the mini-crush or double kissing crush techniques. The study found that an international cohort from the PROGRESS-BIFURCATION registry was assembled for this comparative analysis. This i

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 07, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Aficamten and left ventricular dysfunction. Key takeaway: AI ECG Predicts Atrial Fibrillation Risk.. Article Links: Article 1: Finerenone and Cardiovascular Outcomes According to Baseline Kidney Function in Patients With Heart Failure: The FINEARTS-HF Trial. (JACC. Heart failure) Article 2: Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten in Children and Adolescents With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Study Design and Rationale of CEDAR-HCM. (Circulation. Heart failure) Article 3: Artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiographic sex discordance and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation: a multi-national cohort study. (Heart rhythm) Article 4: High Subcutaneous Nerve Activity in Noise-Associated Ventricular Arrhythmias. (Heart rhythm) Article 5: Temporal Change in Right Ventricular Pacing Ratio and Its Association with Cardiac Function and Arrhythmia: A Linear Mixed-Effects Model Analysis. (Heart rhythm) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/ai-ecg-predicts-atrial-fibrillation-risk-12-07-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Finerenone and Cardiovascular Outcomes According to Baseline Kidney Function in Patients With Heart Failure: The FINEARTS-HF Trial. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41351608 Summary: Finerenone is established to reduce the risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death. This benefit applies to patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The FINEARTS-HF trial investigated whether this known efficacy of finerenone varies according to a patient’s baseline kidney function. Article 2: Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten in Children and Adolescents With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Study Design and Rationale of CEDAR-HCM. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41347307 Summary: Aficamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, improved exercise capacity, health status, and symptoms in adults with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as demonstrated in the phase three SEQUOIA-HCM trial. This medication directly targets the underlying hypercontractility responsible for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The CEDAR-HCM trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of aficamten in children and adolescents with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, addressing a critical unmet need given the limited treatment options for pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Article 3: Artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiographic sex discordance and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation: a multi-national cohort study. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41352445 Summary: This study successfully developed and externally validated an artificial intelligence enabled electrocardiogram model for sex prediction. The model achieved an Area Under the Curve of 0.91 on the C. O. D. E. minus 15 percent dataset and 0.90 on the M. I. M. I. C. minus I. V. dataset. This tool generates a sex discordance score, which provides a quantifiable measure related to incident atrial fibrillation risk beyond binary sex classification. Article 4: High Subcutaneous Nerve Activity in Noise-Associated Ventricular Arrhythmias. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41352444 Summary: Environmental noise acts as a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias, a process linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. The mechanisms driving noise-induced arrhythmogenesis remain unclear. Understanding subcutaneous nerve activity and heart rate variability is crucial for elucidating the role of autonomic nervous system modulation in these ventricular arrhythmias. Article 5: Temporal Change in Right Ventricular Pacing Ratio and Its Association with Cardiac Function and Arrhythmia: A Linear Mixed-Effects Model Analysis. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41352443 Summary: Right ventricular pacing induces electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, which can influence left ventricular dysfunction and contribute to heart failure. The long-term impact of temporal increases in the right ventricular pacing ratio on left ventricular remodeling and arrhythmia occurrence has been unclear. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study investigates these associations to provide crucial insights into patient management following right ventricular pacing implantation. Transcript Today’s date is December 07, 2025. Welcome to Cardiology Today. Here are the latest research findings. Article number one. Finerenone and Cardiovascular Outcomes According to Baseline Kidney Function in Patients With Heart Failure: The FINEARTS-HF Trial. Finerenone is established to reduce the risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death. This benefit applies to patients with hea

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 06, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Canada and computed tomography angiography. Key takeaway: AI Enables Early Pediatric Heart Dysfunction Detection.. Article Links: Article 1: Digital profile of children’s hearts: automated echocardiogram strain analysis facilitates earlier detection of cardiac dysfunction. (European heart journal) Article 2: The Canadian Heart Failure Society (CHFS) Workforce Committee Report 2024: Addressing the Challenges Facing the Heart Failure Physicians Workforce in Canada CHFS 2024 Heart Failure Workforce Report. (Journal of cardiac failure) Article 3: Tenecteplase vs Alteplase in Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valve Thrombosis: The TENET Randomized Clinical Trial. (JAMA cardiology) Article 4: Long-term prognostic impact of complete revascularisation defined by CT-derived fractional flow reserve. (Heart (British Cardiac Society)) Article 5: Cardiomyopathy-Associated Pathogenic Variants in Pediatric Myocarditis: A Study From the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry. (Circulation. Heart failure) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/ai-enables-early-pediatric-heart-dysfunction-detection-12-06-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Digital profile of children’s hearts: automated echocardiogram strain analysis facilitates earlier detection of cardiac dysfunction. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41347951 Summary: A new semi-supervised deep learning framework, the Motion-Echo system, was developed using 11096 paediatric and 11297 adult echocardiograms. This system provides a standardized and vendor-agnostic approach for paediatric myocardial strain analysis. It enhances cardiac function evaluation and enables earlier detection of cardiac impairment, addressing high variance and limited precision in current methods. Article 2: The Canadian Heart Failure Society (CHFS) Workforce Committee Report 2024: Addressing the Challenges Facing the Heart Failure Physicians Workforce in Canada CHFS 2024 Heart Failure Workforce Report. Journal: Journal of cardiac failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41349596 Summary: H. F. S.) Workforce Committee Report 2024: Addressing the Challenges Facing the Heart Failure Physicians Workforce in Canada CHFS 2024 Heart Failure Workforce Report. The Canadian Heart Failure Society (C. H. F. S.) Workforce Committee Report identified a critical gap where the heart failure physician workforce in Canada has not grown to meet the rising demand. The committee, comprising 16 Canadian physicians, determined key drivers of this workforce crisis. The report provides actionable solutions to address this growing burden on healthcare resources and patient care. These findings highlight the urgent need for strategic planning to ensure adequate heart failure physician staffing across the country. Article 3: Tenecteplase vs Alteplase in Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valve Thrombosis: The TENET Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41335456 Summary: The TENET Randomized Clinical Trial compared the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase versus standard infusions of alteplase for patients with symptomatic prosthetic valve thrombosis after mechanical heart valve replacement. This study directly assessed the utility of tenecteplase in this patient population, where alteplase is an accepted first-line thrombolytic therapy. The trial provided data on the comparative performance of these two agents in addressing prosthetic valve thrombosis. Article 4: Long-term prognostic impact of complete revascularisation defined by CT-derived fractional flow reserve. Journal: Heart (British Cardiac Society) PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339021 Summary: T.-derived fractional flow reserve. This prospective multicenter study in 900 patients with new-onset stable angina investigated the long-term prognostic impact of complete versus incomplete revascularization. Revascularization status was determined non-invasively using coronary computed tomography angiography-derived fractional flow reserve. The study provided data on whether the short-term benefits of complete revascularization persist long-term when defined by this imaging modality. Article 5: Cardiomyopathy-Associated Pathogenic Variants in Pediatric Myocarditis: A Study From the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41347311 Summary: This study from the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry compared the prevalence of rare predicted-damaging variants and clinically pathogenic variants in children. It specifically examined children with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to myocarditis, children with dilated cardiomyopathy alone, and heart-healthy controls. The research provided data on the burden of cardiomyopathy-associated genetic variants in p

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 05, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like diagnosis and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded. Key takeaway: First FFPE Heart Rejection Molecular Test Validated. Article Links: Article 1: Safety, Utility, and Outcomes of Procainamide Challenge for the Diagnosis and Exclusion of Brugada Syndrome. (Circulation) Article 2: Heart allograft rejection: molecular diagnosis using intra-graft targeted gene expression profiling. (European heart journal) Article 3: Oestrogen-related receptor γ in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy: role of cardiomyocyte subtype conversion. (European heart journal) Article 4: Cardiovascular disease in women: traditional and sex-specific risk factors. (European heart journal) Article 5: Impact of left ventricular assist device implantation on right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling assessed by high-fidelity hemodynamics. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/first-ffpe-heart-rejection-molecular-test-validated-12-05-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Safety, Utility, and Outcomes of Procainamide Challenge for the Diagnosis and Exclusion of Brugada Syndrome. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41342099 Summary: This study characterized the safety and diagnostic yield of procainamide infusion for inducing a type one Brugada pattern for Brugada syndrome diagnosis. It established the prognosis associated with a procainamide-induced Brugada pattern, demonstrating differences from other sodium channel blockers. The investigation defined the specific indications for procainamide challenge using data from the Canadian Hearts in Rhythm Organization registry. This established a clearer clinical utility for identifying this particular electrocardiogram pattern. Article 2: Heart allograft rejection: molecular diagnosis using intra-graft targeted gene expression profiling. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41342627 Summary: This study developed and validated the first formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue-based molecular diagnostic system for heart transplant rejection. The system utilizes intra-graft targeted gene expression profiling to refine diagnostic accuracy. This method is applicable to endomyocardial biopsies and is designed for easy implementation in clinical practice. The international study established a deeply phenotyped cohort of heart transplant recipients to support this validation. Article 3: Oestrogen-related receptor γ in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy: role of cardiomyocyte subtype conversion. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41342227 Summary: This study identified oestrogen-related receptor gamma as a key regulator in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Researchers found that cardiomyocyte subtype conversion plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. This mechanistic insight offers a novel understanding of how sepsis increases overall mortality through cardiac dysfunction. The findings lay a foundation for developing targeted therapies for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, addressing a current lack of specific treatments. Article 4: Cardiovascular disease in women: traditional and sex-specific risk factors. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41342194 Summary: This review highlighted that cardiovascular disease accounts for more deaths in women than breast cancer, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease combined, showing comparable mortality to men. It identified a critical lack of awareness among both women and physicians regarding cardiovascular disease as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in women. This contributes to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. The analysis confirmed insufficient evidence often impedes effective, life-saving care for women with cardiovascular disease, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Article 5: Impact of left ventricular assist device implantation on right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling assessed by high-fidelity hemodynamics. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41344641 Summary: This study characterized intraoperative right ventricular adaptations following left ventricular assist device implantation. The research demonstrated how right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling, defined as the ratio of end-systolic to arterial elastance, reflects right ventricular performance under altered loading conditions. The investigation, which used high-fidelity hemodynamics with right ventricular conductance catheters and three-dimensional echocardiography, provided specific meas

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 04, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like oral magnesium and diabetes mellitus. Key takeaway: TNNT2 Variant Pinpoints Low-Risk Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Article Links: Article 1: Oral magnesium and outcomes in US veterans with heart failure. (European heart journal) Article 2: Diabetes and sudden cardiac death: a Danish nationwide study. (European heart journal) Article 3: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Disease Burden in Children and Adults Following Heart Transplantation. (JACC. Heart failure) Article 4: The p.Asn271Ile Variant in the TNNT2 Gene Is Associated With Low-Risk Late-Onset Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. (JACC. Heart failure) Article 5: Outcomes After Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death Cardiac Transplantation: An International, Multicenter Retrospective Study. (JACC. Heart failure) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/tnnt2-variant-pinpoints-low-risk-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-12-04-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Oral magnesium and outcomes in US veterans with heart failure. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41338273 Summary: This study identified 54696 United States veterans with Heart Failure between 2001 and 2023 who also presented with hypomagnesemia, defined as serum magnesium below 1.7 milligrams per deciliter. Among this cohort, 10695 patients were initiated on oral magnesium therapy, with a median daily dose of 420 milligrams. A propensity score-matched cohort of 21098 patients was established, allowing for comparison of clinical outcomes between those receiving oral magnesium and those not. The study thus provided the foundational data and a robust comparative structure for evaluating the real-world impact of oral magnesium supplementation in this population. Article 2: Diabetes and sudden cardiac death: a Danish nationwide study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41338249 Summary: This nationwide Danish study included the entire Danish population in 2010 as its cohort for analysis of sudden cardiac death. Sudden cardiac death cases were ascertained using detailed Danish death certificates across the population. The research characterized incidence rates of sudden cardiac death among individuals with type one diabetes and type two diabetes. The study additionally quantified the shortened life expectancy attributed to sudden cardiac death within these specific diabetic populations. Article 3: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Disease Burden in Children and Adults Following Heart Transplantation. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41117724 Summary: This study characterized the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic dysfunction in children and adults following heart transplantation. The research developed an expanded understanding of these specific post-transplant complications. This characterization provides critical information for informing screening and therapeutic strategies to mitigate adverse events in heart transplant recipients. Article 4: The p.Asn271Ile Variant in the TNNT2 Gene Is Associated With Low-Risk Late-Onset Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40310325 Summary: This study demonstrated a founder effect of the cardiac troponin T gene p.Asn271Ile variant in A Coruña, Spain. It characterized the specific phenotype of the p.Asn271Ile variant. The research compared this phenotype with codon 92 variants, a known hotspot associated with high risk hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The data indicated that the TNNT2 p.Asn271Ile variant is associated with low-risk late-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Article 5: Outcomes After Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death Cardiac Transplantation: An International, Multicenter Retrospective Study. Journal: JACC. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40293864 Summary: This international, multicenter retrospective study compared outcomes of heart transplantation after Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death across Europe and the United States. The study evaluated differences between recipients whose donor hearts were retrieved using thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion. It also assessed outcomes for those whose hearts were recovered using direct procurement and perfusion. The research established findings regarding the most clinically effective method of organ procurement for Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death heart transplantation. Transcript Today’s date is December 04, 2025. Welcome to Cardiology Today. Here are the latest research findings. Article number one. Oral magnesium and outcomes in US veterans with heart failure. This study identified 54696 United States veterans with Heart Failure between 2001 and 2023 who also presented with hyp

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 03, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like exercise capacity and vaccine preventable illness. Key takeaway: Donor Cell-Free DNA Improves Kidney Rejection. Article Links: Article 1: Lung transplant candidates’ quadriceps strength is a modifiable predictor of recovery in exercise capacity after transplantation. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 2: Identification of Donor-recipient Interactions for a Relative Appraisal of Kidney Graft Marginality: A French Multicentric Cohort-based Study. (Transplantation) Article 3: Pregnancy Outcomes Using Assisted Reproductive Technology in Kidney Transplant Recipients. (Transplantation) Article 4: Addressing vaccination coverage among pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period of increased vaccine hesitancy. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 5: Donor-derived cell-free DNA significantly improves rejection yield in kidney transplant biopsies. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/donor-cell-free-dna-improves-kidney-rejection-12-03-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Lung transplant candidates’ quadriceps strength is a modifiable predictor of recovery in exercise capacity after transplantation. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40480321 Summary: This study found that pre-transplant quadriceps strength is a modifiable predictor of recovery in exercise capacity following lung transplantation. It demonstrated that assessing a candidate’s quadriceps strength provides crucial insight into their rehabilitation potential. The data showed that strengthening this muscle group offers a tangible target for pre-transplant intervention. This directly impacts the trajectory of post-transplant six minute walk distance and overall functional recovery. Article 2: Identification of Donor-recipient Interactions for a Relative Appraisal of Kidney Graft Marginality: A French Multicentric Cohort-based Study. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40653616 Summary: This study established that specific recipient characteristics modify the predictive capacity of donor marginality scores for kidney grafts. It identified unique donor-recipient interactions that lead to a more accurate appraisal of kidney graft quality. The findings showed that integrating these interaction factors improved risk stratification for graft failure. This provides a more relative and individualized assessment of marginal kidney grafts, benefiting patient selection and outcomes. Article 3: Pregnancy Outcomes Using Assisted Reproductive Technology in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40611379 Summary: This retrospective cohort study established the outcomes of pregnancy utilizing assisted reproductive technology in women who are kidney transplant recipients. The data provided crucial information on maternal and fetal risks, given that infertility is common and pregnancies are high risk in this patient population. The study drew upon extensive data from the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International, covering conceptions between March 1968 and July 2022. This offers valuable insights for counseling kidney transplant recipients considering assisted reproductive technology for family planning. Article 4: Addressing vaccination coverage among pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period of increased vaccine hesitancy. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40812615 Summary: A conference by the American Society of Transplantation Pediatric Community of Practice found that pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients remain significantly undervaccinated. The discussions revealed that undervaccination stems from failures at various levels, including clinician misconceptions regarding vaccine administration timing. It was concluded that specific strategies are necessary to improve vaccine uptake and decrease rates of vaccine preventable illness in this vulnerable population. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted educational interventions and improved vaccination protocols. Article 5: Donor

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 03, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like H. O. P. E. and C. T. L. A. 4. Key takeaway: Osimertinib Heart Failure Via GATA4-MYLK3 Axis. Article Links: Article 1: Osimertinib induces reversible cardiac dysfunction through the GATA4-MYLK3-MYL2 axis. (European heart journal) Article 2: Trained immunity in cardiovascular disease. (European heart journal) Article 3: Safety and Tolerability of Sotagliflozin Among Kidney Transplant Recipients. (Transplantation) Article 4: Anti-CTLA-4 Treatment Abrogates Co-stimulation Blockade-induced Acceptance of Transgenic Porcine Islets in Humanized Mice. (Transplantation) Article 5: Cardiac Mitochondrial and Electrophysiological Changes in Transplanted Ovine Hearts Following Preservation by Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion. (Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/osimertinib-heart-failure-via-gata4-mylk3-axis-12-03-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Osimertinib induces reversible cardiac dysfunction through the GATA4-MYLK3-MYL2 axis. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41330421 Summary: This study found that osimertinib, a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces reversible cardiac dysfunction. The research demonstrated this cardiotoxicity operates through the GATA4-MYLK3-MYL2 axis. This mechanism explains the associated heart failure observed in patients treated with osimertinib for non-small cell lung carcinoma. Understanding this pathway provides a foundation for developing cardioprotective strategies against this drug-induced cardiac damage. Article 2: Trained immunity in cardiovascular disease. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41330410 Summary: Trained immunity, or T. R. I. M., is a recallable, long-term hyperinflammatory innate immune phenotype. This process involves changes in metabolic and epigenetic intracellular processes within mature innate immune cells. Trained immunity is identified as a core mechanism in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and represents a potential target for new pharmacological interventions to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease. Article 3: Safety and Tolerability of Sotagliflozin Among Kidney Transplant Recipients. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40986618 Summary: Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors effectively slow chronic kidney disease progression and reduce kidney failure events in the general population. These agents are known to cause an initial and sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and carry an increased risk of urogenital infections. For kidney transplant recipients, who face a high risk of adverse kidney outcomes, the safety and tolerability of this drug class, specifically sotagliflozin, are crucial considerations. Article 4: Anti-CTLA-4 Treatment Abrogates Co-stimulation Blockade-induced Acceptance of Transgenic Porcine Islets in Humanized Mice. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40855395 Summary: Previous research demonstrated that beta cell-specific overexpression of a high-affinity variant of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, or C. T. L. A. 4, prevented porcine islet rejection in humanized mouse models. This study found that anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 treatment abrogates the co-stimulation blockade, reversing the acceptance of transgenic porcine islets. This indicates that long-term xenograft function and survival were not maintained following neutralization of C. T. L. A. 4-mediated co-stimulation blockade. Article 5: Cardiac Mitochondrial and Electrophysiological Changes in Transplanted Ovine Hearts Following Preservation by Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion. Journal: Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40691830 Summary: Donor hearts experience injury during heart transplantation due to brain death and static cold storage preservation. Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion, or H. O. P. E., is a preservation method that may reduce myocardial injury compared to static cold storage. This study investigated specific cardiac mitochondrial and electrophysiological changes in transplanted ovine hearts following H. O. P. E. preservation. These findings are crucial for optimizing donor heart quality and improving heart transplant outcomes. Transcript Today’s date is December 03, 2025. Welcome to Cardiology Today. Here are the latest research findings. Article number one. Osimertinib induces reversible cardiac dysfunction through the GATA4-MYLK3-MYL2 axis. This study found that osimertinib, a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces reversible cardiac dysfunction. The research demonstrated this cardiotoxicity operates through the GATA4-MYLK3-MYL2 axis. This mechanism explains the associated heart failure observed in patients treated with os

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 02, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like risk score and heart transplantation. Key takeaway: Heart Transplant Survival Score Developed. Article Links: Article 1: Reducing driveline infection risk in durable mechanical circulatory support devices with ultra-flexible wires for energy transfer. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 2: Clinical outcomes of cardiogenic shock patients supported with VA-ECMO: Insights from the Cardiogenic Shock Working Group. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 3: Development of a risk score predicting survival after adult heart transplantation in the United States. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Out of sequence heart transplants: Why, how many, and to whom. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 5: Lung transplant in patients with suspicious lung lesions: A single-center retrospective data analysis. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/heart-transplant-survival-score-developed-12-02-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Reducing driveline infection risk in durable mechanical circulatory support devices with ultra-flexible wires for energy transfer. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40714161 Summary: Durable mechanical circulatory support devices are associated with driveline infections, a major burden for heart failure patients. A key contributor to these infections is the low mechanical compliance of current drivelines, which negatively impacts wound healing. The research explores new drivelines equipped with ultra-flexible wires, which are designed to mitigate mechanical stress on the skin. This approach addresses the root cause of wound healing issues, thus offering a strategy to reduce the risk of driveline infections. Article 2: Clinical outcomes of cardiogenic shock patients supported with VA-ECMO: Insights from the Cardiogenic Shock Working Group. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40714159 Summary: A. -E. C. M. O.: Insights from the Cardiogenic Shock Working Group. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V. A. -E. C. M. O.) is used worldwide for cardiogenic shock despite conflicting outcomes from randomized trials that focused on myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock. This study, using a multicenter registry, provided a detailed characterization of clinical outcomes for patients with cardiogenic shock supported by V. A. -E. C. M. O. The analysis differentiated outcomes across various cardiogenic shock etiologies, moving beyond a sole focus on myocardial infarction-related cases. This work established a clearer understanding of V. A. -E. C. M. O.’s clinical utility in a broader spectrum of cardiogenic shock patients. Article 3: Development of a risk score predicting survival after adult heart transplantation in the United States. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40691955 Summary: The United States’ system for allocating donor hearts currently prioritizes candidates at highest risk of waiting list death. To optimize organ allocation under the upcoming continuous distribution system, a novel U. S. transplant risk score (U. S. -T. R. S.) was developed and validated. This observational study, utilizing the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, established the U. S. -T. R. S. to predict survival after adult heart transplantation. The score provides a tool to help avoid futile transplants by better matching donor hearts to recipients who will most benefit. Article 4: Out of sequence heart transplants: Why, how many, and to whom. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40685032 Summary: Heart transplantation allocation generally follows an urgency-ranked match list established by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. This study provided a comprehensive description of out of sequence heart transplants (O. O. S. H. T.), which

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 02, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Angiotensin-(1-7) and hemocompatibility-related adverse events. Key takeaway: Donation After Circulatory Death Expands Heart Transplant Access.. Article Links: Article 1: Myocardial Work Index as an Indicator of Cardiac Function in Ex Situ Heart Perfusion. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 2: Two-year outcomes in the direct oral anticoagulant apixaban in left ventricular assist devices (DOAC LVAD) study. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 3: Hemodynamic effects of sotatercept administration in pulmonary hypertension- Insights from remote monitoring. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Donation after circulatory death transplantation alleviates waitlist time for hard-to-transplant cardiac recipients. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 5: Angiotensin-(1-7) preconditioning during 10°C static preservation improves early post-transplant graft function in a rat lung transplantation model. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/donation-after-circulatory-death-expands-heart-transplant-access-12-02-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Myocardial Work Index as an Indicator of Cardiac Function in Ex Situ Heart Perfusion. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40846115 Summary: The study demonstrated that the echocardiographic myocardial work index effectively evaluated cardiac performance in donor hearts during ex situ heart perfusion. This method provides functional assessment of marginal cardiac grafts, which are increasingly relied upon due to organ shortages. The research confirmed that the myocardial work index accurately indicated cardiac function. This functional evaluation contributes to better selection and utilization of donor hearts for transplantation. Article 2: Two-year outcomes in the direct oral anticoagulant apixaban in left ventricular assist devices (DOAC LVAD) study. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40819750 Summary: This study reported 2-year outcomes for apixaban anticoagulation in patients with left ventricular assist devices. Apixaban was previously established as feasible at 6 months without excess hemocompatibility-related adverse events. The current research provided crucial longer-term data regarding apixaban’s safety and efficacy profile in preventing major adverse events in left ventricular assist device recipients. It informed the extended use of apixaban for anticoagulation in this patient population. Article 3: Hemodynamic effects of sotatercept administration in pulmonary hypertension- Insights from remote monitoring. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40769332 Summary: Sotatercept, a recently approved agent, addresses the underlying pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension by favoring pro-apoptotic pathways within the pulmonary artery. This distinct remodeling mechanism differentiates it from traditional vasodilator therapies. Sotatercept is used as an adjunctive treatment to existing vasodilator therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. This therapeutic approach provides a new strategy for managing this incurable disease. Article 4: Donation after circulatory death transplantation alleviates waitlist time for hard-to-transplant cardiac recipients. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40752550 Summary: Donation after circulatory death heart transplantation increased the cardiac transplant donor pool. This strategy significantly decreased waitlist times for hard-to-transplant cardiac recipients. The data showed that patients with challenging characteristics gained improved access to transplantation through this method. This approach effectively alleviates organ shortages and enhances transplant opportunities for a vulnerable patient population. Article 5: Angiotensin-(1-7) preconditioning during 10°C static preservation i

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 01, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like donor organ availability and waitlist mortality. Key takeaway: ABOi Heart Transplants Expand Pediatric Pool. Article Links: Article 1: Oxidized Phospholipids, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Coronary Syndrome. (Circulation) Article 2: Combined heart-lung organ allocation: A glitch in the system. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 3: High Antiphospholipid Antibody Titers and Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Cohort Study. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Safe Practices: Partial Coverage of Left Ventricular Assist Device Reduces Bleeding Risk during Explant-Heart Transplant without Causing Obstruction. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 5: ABO-incompatible heart transplants in children aged 2-9 years: A new paradigm in transplant? (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/aboi-heart-transplants-expand-pediatric-pool-12-01-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Oxidized Phospholipids, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Coronary Syndrome. Journal: Circulation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41321238 Summary: Researchers measured oxidized phospholipids on apolipoprotein B-100 and lipoprotein(a) levels in 11630 participants with acute coronary syndrome. These markers were quantified at baseline, and in 5185 participants four months after randomization to alirocumab or placebo in the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial. This comprehensive analysis established the presence and levels of these pro-inflammatory lipid markers in a large cohort of acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing specific contemporary treatment strategies. Article 2: Combined heart-lung organ allocation: A glitch in the system. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40935217 Summary: This study found that patients awaiting combined heart-lung transplantation experience unnecessarily long wait times due to the absence of a specific organ allocation system for this patient population. Researchers observed these prolonged wait times following recent revisions to the United States heart and lung allocation systems. The current guidelines prioritize patients based on waitlist mortality, yet combined heart-lung transplant recipients are not adequately prioritized within these separate systems. Article 3: High Antiphospholipid Antibody Titers and Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Cohort Study. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40907841 Summary: This retrospective observational study collected data on patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy to investigate outcomes in those with and without antiphospholipid syndrome. The researchers specifically focused on high antiphospholipid antibody titers and their association with post-operative mortality and thrombotic complications. This investigation demonstrated the importance of evaluating antiphospholipid antibody titers for outcomes in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients undergoing surgical intervention. Article 4: Safe Practices: Partial Coverage of Left Ventricular Assist Device Reduces Bleeding Risk during Explant-Heart Transplant without Causing Obstruction. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40902959 Summary: This single institution study found that partial polytetrafluoroethylene protective coverage of the outflow graft and chassis during HeartMate three left ventricular assist device implant significantly reduced perioperative blood loss during explant-heart transplantation. The data demonstrated that this partial coverage method did not cause obstruction during the device’s function. This safe practice provides a direct clinical benefit by mitigating the challenging intraoperative and postoperative blood loss associated with left ventricular assist device explant procedures. Article 5: ABO-incompatible heart transplants in children aged 2-9 years: A new paradigm in transplant? Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation :

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded December 01, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like lipid transport and short-term outcomes. Key takeaway: PE Calculator Predicts Short-Term Outcomes. Article Links: Article 1: Deletion of METTL14, a key methylation regulator, attenuates vascular ageing. (European heart journal) Article 2: Excessive glycosylation drives thoracic aortic aneurysm formation through integrated stress response. (European heart journal) Article 3: The macrophage-derived motor protein KIF13B enhances MERTK-mediated efferocytosis and prevents atherosclerosis in mice. (European heart journal) Article 4: Acute pulmonary embolism: a multimarker calculator to predict short-term outcomes. (European heart journal) Article 5: Nuclear receptor Dax1 promotes atherosclerosis by lipid transport inhibition and autophagy suppression in macrophages. (European heart journal) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/pe-calculator-predicts-short-term-outcomes-12-01-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Deletion of METTL14, a key methylation regulator, attenuates vascular ageing. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40758401 Summary: Deletion of methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) was found to attenuate vascular aging. This suggests that METTL14 plays a role in promoting vascular aging, possibly by influencing inflammation. Modulating METTL14 activity could therefore represent a therapeutic strategy to combat age-related vascular diseases. Article 2: Excessive glycosylation drives thoracic aortic aneurysm formation through integrated stress response. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40720766 Summary: This study found that excessive glycosylation drives the formation of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAADs) through activation of the integrated stress response. The hexosamine biosynthetic pathway was identified as a key contributor to this process in both sporadic and genetic forms of thoracic aortic aneurysm. This mechanistic insight suggests that targeting the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway could offer a therapeutic approach for preventing or treating thoracic aortic aneurysms and related conditions such as Marfan syndrome. Article 3: The macrophage-derived motor protein KIF13B enhances MERTK-mediated efferocytosis and prevents atherosclerosis in mice. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40709729 Summary: Kinesin family member 13B (KIF13B), a macrophage-derived motor protein, was found to enhance MERTK-mediated efferocytosis. This enhancement of efferocytosis, which is the clearance of apoptotic cells, resulted in the prevention of atherosclerosis in mice. The data suggests that KIF13B plays a protective role against atherosclerosis by improving cellular waste removal, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. Article 4: Acute pulmonary embolism: a multimarker calculator to predict short-term outcomes. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391731 Summary: A multimarker prognostic calculator was developed to predict short-term outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (P. E.). This calculator estimates the absolute risk of key outcomes for individual patients, utilizing variables from the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and other markers. The study validated the calculator’s performance and compared it to the established European Society of Cardiology (E. S. C.) model for risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism, providing a tool for targeted interventions. Article 5: Nuclear receptor Dax1 promotes atherosclerosis by lipid transport inhibition and autophagy suppression in macrophages. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40259807 Summary: Nuclear receptor Dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (Dax1) was found to promote atherosclerosis. This pro-atherogenic effect occurs through the inhibition of lipid transport and suppression of autophagy within macrophages. The study identified Dax1 levels in human atherosclerotic arteries, suggesting Dax1 as a potential pharmacological target for preventing atherosclerosis. Transcript Today’s date is December 01, 2025. Welcome to Cardiology Today. Here are the latest research findings. Article number one. Deletion of METTL14, a key methylation regulator, attenuates vascular ageing. Deletion of methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) was found to attenuate vascular aging. This suggests that METTL14 plays a role in promoting vascular aging, possibly by influencing inflammation. Modulating METTL14 activity could therefore represent a therapeutic strategy to combat age-related vascular diseases. Article number two. Excessive glycosylation drives thoracic aortic aneurysm formation through integra

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 30, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like alloresponse and Pulmonary Vein Isolation. Key takeaway: Sick Sinus Syndrome Raises Stroke Risk in Low-Risk A. F.. Article Links: Article 1: Donor MHC-specific IgE augments the T and B cell alloresponse in a CD23-dependent manner. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 2: Sick Sinus Syndrome Elevates Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Low CHA2DS2-VASC Score. (Heart rhythm) Article 3: The Effect of Pulmonary Vein Isolation on Gastric Motility: Pulsed-field Ablation vs Radiofrequency. (Heart rhythm) Article 4: New Technique to Achieve Total Mitral Isthmus Block: Targeting Masked Epicardial Conductions. (Heart rhythm) Article 5: Prevalence, Spectrum and Outcomes in Patients with Non-Penetrant Long QT Syndrome. (Heart rhythm) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/sick-sinus-syndrome-raises-stroke-risk-in-low-risk-a-f-11-30-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Donor MHC-specific IgE augments the T and B cell alloresponse in a CD23-dependent manner. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317870 Summary: H. C.-specific IgE augments the T and B cell alloresponse in a C. D. 23-dependent manner. Donor Major Histocompatibility Complex-specific Immunoglobulin E augments both T cell and B cell alloresponses in a C. D. 23-dependent manner. This mechanism indicates that Immunoglobulin E, in addition to its known roles in allergic hypersensitivity, contributes to immune activation relevant to transplant rejection. The presence of donor Major Histocompatibility Complex-specific Immunoglobulin E has been observed in murine transplant models and in human kidney transplant recipients. These findings illuminate a previously unrecognized role for Immunoglobulin E in modulating the alloimmune response, suggesting it influences transplant outcomes. Article 2: Sick Sinus Syndrome Elevates Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Low CHA2DS2-VASC Score. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317944 Summary: H. A. 2. D. S. 2. -V. A. S. C. Score. Sick Sinus Syndrome elevates stroke risk specifically in patients with Atrial Fibrillation who have a low C. H. A. 2. D. S. 2. -V. A. S. C. score. This finding indicates that concomitant Sick Sinus Syndrome acts as an independent risk factor for incident ischemic stroke, even in patients considered to be at lower risk by conventional scoring systems. The study, which analyzed a cohort of 24960 patients, suggests that clinicians should consider the presence of Sick Sinus Syndrome when assessing stroke risk in Atrial Fibrillation patients. Therefore, Sick Sinus Syndrome requires careful consideration in comprehensive stroke prevention strategies for this patient population. Article 3: The Effect of Pulmonary Vein Isolation on Gastric Motility: Pulsed-field Ablation vs Radiofrequency. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317943 Summary: Pulsed-field Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation demonstrates a superior safety profile regarding gastric motility compared to Radiofrequency Ablation. Radiofrequency Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation was observed to impair gastric motility due to collateral thermal injury. In contrast, Pulsed-field Ablation, being a nonthermal modality, preferentially affected cardiomyocytes and preserved gastric motility in patients with Atrial Fibrillation. This indicates that Pulsed-field Ablation offers a significant advantage in reducing the risk of gastric motility impairment during Pulmonary Vein Isolation procedures. Article 4: New Technique to Achieve Total Mitral Isthmus Block: Targeting Masked Epicardial Conductions. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317942 Summary: A novel technique effectively achieves total Mitral Isthmus Block by successfully targeting masked epicardial conductions. The study identified that epicardial conduction played a key role in peri-mitral atrial tachycardia recurrence, which was subsequently addressed by this approach. Targeting these previously masked epicardial pathways with Radiofrequency Ablation proved feasible and instrumental in achieving complete and durable Mitral Isthmus Block. This new method provides a crucial advancement for patients undergoing ablation for persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Article 5: Prevalence, Spectrum and Outcomes in Patients with Non-Penetrant Long QT Syndrome. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317941 Summary: T. Syndrome. Non-penetrant Long Q. T. Syndrome, defined as the absence of objective electrocardiographic or cardiac evidence of abn

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 30, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like digital biomarker and wild-type amyloid. Key takeaway: HRV-CV: A Digital Biomarker for Age, Sex, and Behavior. Article Links: Article 1: Clinical phenotype and prognosis of real-world patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy treated with tafamidis. (European journal of heart failure) Article 2: Clinical phenotype and prognosis of real-world patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy treated with tafamidis. (European journal of heart failure) Article 3: Left atrioventricular ratio (LA:LV): Using left ventricular size as the reference for identifying maladaptive left atrial remodelling. (European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging) Article 4: Heart Rate Variability Coefficient of Variation During Sleep as a Digital Biomarker That Reflects Behavior and Varies by Age and Sex. (American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology) Article 5: Mid- and Late-term Left Ventricular Diastolic Function After the Ross Procedure. (Pediatric cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/hrv-cv-a-digital-biomarker-for-age-sex-and-behavior-11-30-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Clinical phenotype and prognosis of real-world patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy treated with tafamidis. Journal: European journal of heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317156 Summary: Tafamidis has significantly advanced the treatment paradigm for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, as demonstrated by results from a phase three randomized controlled trial. However, comprehensive real-world data detailing its use remain limited. A critical need exists to understand the clinical phenotype of patients receiving tafamidis for wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy and its association with survival outside of controlled trial settings. This gap highlights the importance of observational data for characterizing outcomes in diverse patient populations. Article 2: Clinical phenotype and prognosis of real-world patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy treated with tafamidis. Journal: European journal of heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317156 Summary: Tafamidis has significantly advanced the treatment paradigm for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, as demonstrated by results from a phase three randomized controlled trial. However, comprehensive real-world data detailing its use remain limited. A critical need exists to understand the clinical phenotype of patients receiving tafamidis for wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy and its association with survival outside of controlled trial settings. This gap highlights the importance of observational data for characterizing outcomes in diverse patient populations. Article 3: Left atrioventricular ratio (LA:LV): Using left ventricular size as the reference for identifying maladaptive left atrial remodelling. Journal: European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41299774 Summary: The left atrioventricular ratio, defined as the ratio of maximal Left Atrial End-Systolic Volume to Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume, provides valuable context for cardiac remodeling assessment. This echocardiography-based measure aids in distinguishing between physiological and pathological cardiac changes. It addresses the critical need to consider the interdependence of left atrial and left ventricular remodeling, a relationship often overlooked in standard clinical practice. Article 4: Heart Rate Variability Coefficient of Variation During Sleep as a Digital Biomarker That Reflects Behavior and Varies by Age and Sex. Journal: American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41309064 Summary: The heart rate variability coefficient of variation, an index of day-to-day cardiac autonomic fluctuation, functions as a scalable digital biomarker. This biomarker reliably reflects behavior and exhibits variations according to both age and sex. It offers significant potential for behavioral monitoring and health risk stratification in diverse populations. Article 5: Mid- and Late-term Left Ventricular Diastolic Function After the Ross Procedure. Journal: Pediatric cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41313350 Summary: Long-term ventricular mechanics following the Ross procedure for congenital aortic valve disease are not well understood. This procedure, a common surgical option, requires further investigation into its mid- and late-term effects on left ventricular diastolic function. Understanding these long-term functional characteristics is crucial, particularly when comparing outcomes to other surgical repairs for congenital heart lesions. Transcript Today’s date is November 30, 2025. Welc

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 29, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and British Columbia. Key takeaway: Pediatric Kidney Transplant: 69% Rehospitalized within Year.. Article Links: Article 1: Association of rehospitalization after pediatric kidney transplantation with kidney function at 1-year post-transplant and long-term allograft failure. (American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons) Article 2: Noninvasive Assessment of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 3: Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Response After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Clinical Predictors and Development of the PACED Score. (Heart rhythm) Article 4: Road exposure after cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and its potential influence on reported motor vehicle crash risks. (The American journal of cardiology) Article 5: Association of Body Mass Index with ten-year outcomes in asymptomatic stage a/B heart failure patients: Insights from the CHART-2 study. (International journal of cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/pediatric-kidney-transplant-69-rehospitalized-within-year-11-29-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Association of rehospitalization after pediatric kidney transplantation with kidney function at 1-year post-transplant and long-term allograft failure. Journal: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41314615 Summary: This study found that 29 percent of incident pediatric kidney transplant recipients experienced rehospitalization within the first 30 days post-transplant. Furthermore, over two-thirds of children, specifically 69 percent, were rehospitalized within the first year following their transplant procedure. These findings highlight a high burden of early rehospitalizations in pediatric kidney transplant patients, underscoring the need for improved post-transplant care strategies. Article 2: Noninvasive Assessment of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294083 Summary: This study evaluated a noninvasive, volume-based parameter for Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial coupling in a cohort of 92 pediatric and 105 adult patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Arterial coupling quantifies right ventricular contractility in relation to its afterload, a crucial measure traditionally requiring high-fidelity catheter-derived pressure-volume loops. The investigation explored this noninvasive parameter’s utility in assessing ventricular function in this patient population, addressing the need for less invasive evaluation methods compared to traditional approaches. Article 3: Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Response After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Clinical Predictors and Development of the PACED Score. Journal: Heart rhythm PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41314586 Summary: This multicenter cohort study identified pre-procedural predictors of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction response following atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction. The study included patients with atrial fibrillation and a Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction less than 50 percent who underwent an index ablation procedure. The study developed the P. A. C. E. D. Score to pragmatically stratify patients for Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction response after ablation. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation improves outcomes in patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction, making prediction of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction response clinically valuable. Article 4: Road exposure after cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and its potential influence on reported motor vehicle crash risks. Journal: The American journal of cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41314365 Summary: This study obtained 18 years of population-based health and driving data from British Columbia, Canada, for drivers who underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. Researchers estimated drivers’ monthly road exposure relative to baseline to understand its influence on motor vehicle crash risk interpretation. This investigation highlights how transient reductions in driving after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation can significantly affect the reported crash risk, necessitating careful consideration in risk assessment. Article 5: Association of Body Mass Index with ten

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 28, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like cardiovascular disease and aspirin dosing. Key takeaway: Epigenetic Aging Predicts Cardiovascular Disease. Article Links: Article 1: Altitude-Related Differences in Biventricular Remodeling and the Clinical Profile of Pulmonary Hypertension: An Exploratory Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 2: DNA Methylation Algorithms of Aging and Incident Cardiovascular Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 3: Aspirin Dosing for Secondary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma: Insights From ADAPTABLE. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Intergenerational Socioeconomic Mobility and Cardiovascular Health Among Hispanic/Latino Youth and Caregivers Living in the United States. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: Trends Over Time and Relationship With Outcomes. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/epigenetic-aging-predicts-cardiovascular-disease-11-28-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Altitude-Related Differences in Biventricular Remodeling and the Clinical Profile of Pulmonary Hypertension: An Exploratory Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294102 Summary: The study compared clinical profiles and biventricular remodeling in patients with pulmonary hypertension residing at high altitudes (2500 meters or greater) versus low altitudes. It revealed distinct patterns of cardiac adaptation and disease progression influenced by hypobaric hypoxia. Understanding these specific altitude-related differences is crucial for developing tailored management strategies. This research provides a foundation for improving outcomes for pulmonary hypertension patients in diverse geographical environments. Article 2: DNA Methylation Algorithms of Aging and Incident Cardiovascular Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294095 Summary: N. A. Methylation Algorithms of Aging and Incident Cardiovascular Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study. This prospective cohort study systematically compared 13 D. N. A. methylation algorithms to assess their relation to incident cardiovascular disease risk in 2112 older adults over a 6-year follow-up. The research clarified the differential utility of various D. N. A. methylation-based aging algorithms in predicting cardiovascular disease. This comparison provides important insights into the most effective epigenetic biomarkers for risk stratification. These findings support the integration of advanced aging algorithms into cardiovascular disease prediction models for older adults. Article 3: Aspirin Dosing for Secondary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma: Insights From ADAPTABLE. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294093 Summary: The ADAPTABLE trial provided specific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of two different aspirin doses for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. This research demonstrates how optimal antiplatelet therapy differs for individuals with co-existing respiratory conditions, who carry increased cardiovascular risk. The findings inform tailored clinical decisions on aspirin dosing for secondary prevention. This study contributes to refining guideline recommendations for complex cardiovascular patient profiles. Article 4: Intergenerational Socioeconomic Mobility and Cardiovascular Health Among Hispanic/Latino Youth and Caregivers Living in the United States. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294090 Summary: This study investigated the association between caregiver intergenerational socioeconomic mobility and cardiovascular health in both Hispanic/Latino youth and their caregivers. The research identified specific patterns in how socioeconomic background across generations influences cardiovascular health outcomes in this population. It further determined whether these associations are modified by youth’s sex and age, providing detailed insights into risk factors. Understanding these intergenerational and socioeconomic determinants is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions to improve cardiovascular health in Hispanic/Latino communities. Article 5: Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: Trends Over Time and Relationship With Outcomes. Journal: Journal of the American He

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 28, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like high-sensitivity troponin T and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Key takeaway: Cardiac Amyloidosis Survival Up Over Time.. Article Links: Article 1: A polygenic risk score for peripheral artery disease and major adverse limb events. (European heart journal) Article 2: Small RNA Sequencing of Human Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Reveals Association of High-Sodium Diet With Renal Proinflammatory Pathways. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 3: Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin T for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Association Between Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Veterans Health Administration Study. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Changing Patterns of Diagnosis and Survival in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Multicenter Cohort Study. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/cardiac-amyloidosis-survival-up-over-time-11-28-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: A polygenic risk score for peripheral artery disease and major adverse limb events. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41312852 Summary: Large-scale genome-wide association studies identified common genetic variants that predict peripheral artery disease risk. This study assessed a specific polygenic risk score for its association with peripheral artery disease and major adverse limb events, independent of other clinical risk factors. The research involved a genetic analysis using individual patient data pooled from six Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trials. This approach demonstrates the method for integrating genetic predisposition into risk stratification for limb-related cardiovascular outcomes. Article 2: Small RNA Sequencing of Human Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Reveals Association of High-Sodium Diet With Renal Proinflammatory Pathways. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294135 Summary: Small RNA sequencing of human urinary extracellular vesicles revealed an association between a high-sodium diet and renal proinflammatory pathways. This study demonstrated that high sodium intake is linked to mechanisms beyond hemodynamic changes, including endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Researchers observed the induction of a proinflammatory milieu in the kidneys. The findings highlight how dietary sodium modulation impacts renal pathophysiology at a molecular level in normotensive subjects. Article 3: Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin T for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294120 Summary: This study established the diagnostic and prognostic value of high-sensitivity troponin T for cardiovascular outcomes in patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors are known to be associated with adverse cardiac events, with troponin elevation already a diagnostic criterion for immune-checkpoint inhibitor-related myocarditis and myocardial infarction. The research documented additional causes of troponin elevation and their observed outcomes, including cardiac death and heart failure, in these patients. This comprehensive analysis clarified the clinical utility of high-sensitivity troponin T measurements across a broad spectrum of cardiac issues in this specific patient group. Article 4: Association Between Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Veterans Health Administration Study. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294118 Summary: This Veterans Health Administration study found a significant association between monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and incident cardiovascular disease risk. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was already known to be associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. The research demonstrated that monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance status provided additional prognostic information beyond traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk calculation. This finding highlights the crucial role of considering monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment. Article 5: Changing Patterns of Diagnosis and Survival in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Multicenter Cohort Study. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294107 Summar

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 28, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Atherosclerosis and Proinflammatory cytokines. Key takeaway: Aspirin Elimination Safe for HeartMate 3 LVADs. Article Links: Article 1: Impact of Atrial Fibrillation, Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity on Outcomes with Aspirin Avoidance and Hemocompatibility with a Left Ventricular Assist Device: An analysis from the ARIES-HM3 Trial. (Journal of cardiac failure) Article 2: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events, and Plaque Progression Among Women With Cancer. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 3: Loss of Endothelial YAP/TAZ Reduces the Size of Chronic Stroke Lesions and Alters the Endothelial Environment. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Detrimental Effect of Plasma From Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis on Valvular Endothelial Cells: Role of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Factor Xa. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: Intracellular Osteopontin of Macrophages Promotes Carotid Plaques Formation by Inducing Foam Cells and Releasing Proinflammatory Cytokines. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/aspirin-elimination-safe-for-heartmate-3-lvads-11-28-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Impact of Atrial Fibrillation, Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity on Outcomes with Aspirin Avoidance and Hemocompatibility with a Left Ventricular Assist Device: An analysis from the ARIES-HM3 Trial. Journal: Journal of cardiac failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41308860 Summary: The ARIES-HM3 trial confirmed the safety and effectiveness of aspirin elimination from the antithrombotic regimen following HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device implantation. This specific analysis determined the interaction of atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, and obesity with aspirin elimination regarding hemocompatibility-related adverse events at one year post-implant. The trial randomized patients with a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device to receive aspirin or placebo. This investigation informs personalized antithrombotic management for patients with these common comorbidities. Article 2: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events, and Plaque Progression Among Women With Cancer. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294143 Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with a three-fold risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This single-center retrospective study demonstrated factors associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in women following immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The investigation also characterized plaque progression specifically among women with cancer receiving these treatments. Article 3: Loss of Endothelial YAP/TAZ Reduces the Size of Chronic Stroke Lesions and Alters the Endothelial Environment. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294142 Summary: The loss of endothelial Yes Associated Protein 1 and WW Domain Containing Transcription Regulator 1 reduced the size of chronic stroke lesions and altered the endothelial environment. This study revealed that brain endothelial cells play a critical role in determining stroke outcomes. The findings indicate a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Article 4: Detrimental Effect of Plasma From Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis on Valvular Endothelial Cells: Role of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Factor Xa. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294140 Summary: Plasma from patients with severe aortic stenosis had a detrimental effect on valvular endothelial cells. This effect included inducing oxidative stress and contributing to valvular endothelial cell dysfunction. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin and tumor necrosis factor alpha, along with Factor Xa, were found to mediate these harmful processes. The study identified key plasma components contributing to aortic stenosis progression. Article 5: Intracellular Osteopontin of Macrophages Promotes Carotid Plaques Formation by Inducing Foam Cells and Releasing Proinflammatory Cytokines. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294139 Summary: Intracellular osteopontin within macrophages promotes carotid plaque formation by inducing foam cell formation and releasing proinflammatory cytokines. Single cell R. N. A. sequencing of human carotid plaques identified major cell types and a key cell cluster involved in plaque development. In vitro experiments further confirmed the role of osteopontin in macrophages in this process. Transcript Today’s date is November 28, 2025. Welcome to Cardio

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 28, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like abdominal aortic aneurysm and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Key takeaway: Cell-Free DNA Predicts LVAD Outcomes. Article Links: Article 1: Neutrophil extracellular traps and peptidylarginine deiminase 4-mediated inflammasome activation link diabetes to cardiorenal injury and heart failure. (European heart journal) Article 2: Cell-Free DNA Profiles End-Organ Injury and Predicts Outcomes in Advanced Heart Failure With Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation. (Circulation. Heart failure) Article 3: Immune Cell Type-Specific DNA Methylation Regions Associate With 24-Hour Blood Pressure Regulation in Black People. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 4: Vascular and Neural Transcriptomics Reveal Stage-Dependent Pathways to Inflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Hypertension. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Article 5: C-C Chemokine Receptor 4 Deficiency Protects Against Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation. (Journal of the American Heart Association) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/cell-free-dna-predicts-lvad-outcomes-11-28-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Neutrophil extracellular traps and peptidylarginine deiminase 4-mediated inflammasome activation link diabetes to cardiorenal injury and heart failure. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41307910 Summary: This study demonstrated that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4)-mediated inflammasome activation link diabetes to cardiorenal injury and heart failure. Endomyocardial biopsies from heart failure patients showed the presence of NETs, indicating their role in human disease pathology. Research involving wild-type and PAD4-deficient mice further elucidated this connection in diabetic cardiomyopathy and kidney disease. This establishes a critical mechanistic link between diabetes and its severe cardiovascular and renal complications. Article 2: Cell-Free DNA Profiles End-Organ Injury and Predicts Outcomes in Advanced Heart Failure With Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation. Journal: Circulation. Heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41307146 Summary: This study demonstrated that plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) accurately profiles end-organ injury and predicts outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure receiving left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The research identified cfDNA as a valuable biomarker for risk stratification following LVAD placement. It analyzed a multicenter prospective cohort of heart failure patients, including those with and without LVADs, to establish this predictive capability. This finding offers a novel approach to assess adverse events and improve risk management in this patient population. Article 3: Immune Cell Type-Specific DNA Methylation Regions Associate With 24-Hour Blood Pressure Regulation in Black People. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294148 Summary: This study found that immune cell type-specific DNA methylation regions associate with 24-hour blood pressure regulation in Black people. Researchers established this connection by employing advanced deconvolution algorithms to analyze reduced representation bisulfite sequencing data. The study identified specific epigenetic markers within immune cells that play a role in blood pressure control. These findings highlight a novel mechanism linking immune cell epigenetics to hypertension risk within this specific population. Article 4: Vascular and Neural Transcriptomics Reveal Stage-Dependent Pathways to Inflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Hypertension. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294147 Summary: This study revealed stage-dependent vascular and neural transcriptomic pathways leading to inflammation and cognitive dysfunction in a rat model of hypertension. Researchers identified specific molecular and cellular mechanisms occurring at different stages of hypertension progression. The findings indicate distinct inflammatory and neural changes contributing to cerebral microvascular dysfunction and increased dementia risk. This research provides crucial insights into the complex pathogenesis of hypertension-related cognitive decline. Article 5: C-C Chemokine Receptor 4 Deficiency Protects Against Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation. Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41294146 Summary: This study found that C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) deficiency protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. Researchers observed this protective effect in hypercholesterolemic CCR4-deficient mice. The findings suggest that CCR4, predominantly expressed on T cells

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 27, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like Gene expression profiling and Graft survival. Key takeaway: New Tests Predict Heart Transplant Risk. Article Links: Article 1: Trends in Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Adults With Hypertension in the United States, 1999-2023. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) Article 2: Multimodal Molecular Testing Provides Prognostic Value for Heart Transplant Recipients. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 3: Results of the MACiTEPH study of macitentan for the treatment of inoperable or persistent/recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Enhancement of suppressive function of Ly49+ CD8+ T cells in allogeneic immunity by CD80/86-CD28 blockade in mouse. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 5: Fifty-Year Pediatric Heart Transplant Outcomes: A Pediatric-Adult Center Linked Analysis. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/new-tests-predict-heart-transplant-risk-11-27-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Trends in Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Adults With Hypertension in the United States, 1999-2023. Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41295934 Summary: The United States observed a sharp increase in hypertension-related deaths over the past decade, underscoring the need for public health strategies. This study identified 21822 adults with hypertension from 1999 to 2023 through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers collected data on changes in age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes and other cardiometabolic risk factors within this population. The analysis of these trends offers critical insights into the evolving landscape of hypertension management. Article 2: Multimodal Molecular Testing Provides Prognostic Value for Heart Transplant Recipients. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41297735 Summary: Multimodal molecular testing with gene expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid demonstrated prognostic value for heart transplant recipients. This study evaluated 1934 patients from the Surveillance HeartCare Outcomes Registry. Researchers assessed risk based on the most abnormal test results between two and six months post-transplant. The evaluation provided insights into the joint ability of these molecular tests to predict future clinical events, such as graft dysfunction. Article 3: Results of the MACiTEPH study of macitentan for the treatment of inoperable or persistent/recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41297734 Summary: The MACiTEPH study evaluated macitentan 75 milligrams once daily for treating inoperable or persistent or recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase three study randomized adult patients one to one to macitentan or placebo. The patient population included individuals with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, with or without balloon pulmonary angioplasty, or after pulmonary endarterectomy. The primary endpoint for this investigation was a clinical composite. Article 4: Enhancement of suppressive function of Ly49+ CD8+ T cells in allogeneic immunity by CD80/86-CD28 blockade in mouse. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41297733 Summary: Ly49 positive C D 8 positive T cells restricted by Qa-1 or major histocompatibility complex peptide function as immune suppressors in allogeneic immunity. In organ transplantation, a C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 5 positive Ly49 positive C D 8 positive T cell subset suppresses C D 4 positive T cell activation through Qa-1 recognition. This action inhibits donor-specific antibody production and promotes heart graft survival. This suppressive effect is particularly enhanced under C D 80/86-C D 28 co-blockade. Article 5: Fifty-Year Pediatric Heart Transplant Outcomes: A Pediatric-Ad

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded November 26, 2025. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like cardiac arrhythmias and incretin therapies. Key takeaway: Semaglutide Efficacy in H. F. pEF Across Age. Article Links: Article 1: Effects of semaglutide in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction across the age spectrum: Findings from the STEP-HFpEF programme. (European journal of heart failure) Article 2: Predictive factors for permanent pacemaker implantation and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. (Cardiology) Article 3: Effects of semaglutide in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction across the age spectrum: Findings from the STEP-HFpEF programme. (European journal of heart failure) Article 4: Echocardiographic right-ventricular global wasted work predicts haemodynamics and risk profile in pulmonary arterial hypertension. (European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging) Article 5: Value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived quantitative myocardial blood flow assessment in the setting of chronic coronary occlusion. (European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/semaglutide-efficacy-in-h-f-pef-across-age-11-26-25/ Featured Articles Article 1: Effects of semaglutide in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction across the age spectrum: Findings from the STEP-HFpEF programme. Journal: European journal of heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41290376 Summary: Semaglutide demonstrated efficacy in treating obesity-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in the overall S. T. E. P. minus H. F. pEF trials. This pre-specified pooled subanalysis of the S. T. E. P. minus H. F. pEF program evaluated semaglutide’s effects across the age spectrum. The analysis provided important data addressing prior speculation that older patients might benefit less from incretin therapies, contributing to understanding its therapeutic application in diverse age groups. Article 2: Predictive factors for permanent pacemaker implantation and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. Journal: Cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41289183 Summary: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia observed in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study provided specific data to identify predictors for permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. It also investigated the association between permanent pacemaker implantation and long-term mortality in this patient group, addressing a critical knowledge gap in transcatheter aortic valve replacement outcomes. Article 3: Effects of semaglutide in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction across the age spectrum: Findings from the STEP-HFpEF programme. Journal: European journal of heart failure PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41290376 Summary: Semaglutide demonstrated efficacy in treating obesity-related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in the overall S. T. E. P. minus H. F. pEF trials. This pre-specified pooled subanalysis of the S. T. E. P. minus H. F. pEF program evaluated semaglutide’s effects across the age spectrum. The analysis provided important data addressing prior speculation that older patients might benefit less from incretin therapies, contributing to understanding its therapeutic application in diverse age groups. Article 4: Echocardiographic right-ventricular global wasted work predicts haemodynamics and risk profile in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Journal: European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40972539 Summary: Novel echocardiographic indices of right ventricular myocardial work are valuable for evaluating pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study demonstrated that these right ventricular myocardial work indices predict haemodynamics and risk profile in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The indices specifically identified patients at high risk for mortality and those with a worse haemodynamic profile, as confirmed by right heart catheterization. Article 5: Value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived quantitative myocardial blood flow assessment in the setting of chronic coronary occlusion. Journal: European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40916342 Summary: Visual assessment has traditionally been the primary method for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease using stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance. This study investigated the diagnostic performance of fully automated quantitative myocardial blood flow assessment in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion. The