First Randomized Trial Evaluates Cardiac Shockwave Therapy With Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
This study is the first randomized, sham-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of direct cardiac shockwave therapy (SWT) combined with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients with reduced left ventricular function undergoing surgical revascularization. During the procedure, shockwaves were applied directly to the ischemic myocardium identified by preoperative cardiac MRI. The trial (CAST-HF; NCT03859466) involved patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%, who were randomly assigned to receive either direct cardiac SWT or a sham treatment in addition to CABG. The primary efficacy endpoint was the improvement in LVEF measured by cardiac MRI from baseline to 360 days.
Podcast: Iron Repletion, Ventricular Septal Defect Management, and Hemodynamic Assessment
For the American College of Cardiology’s Eagle’s Eye View, Dr. Kim Eagle discusses recent advancements in the management of heart failure (HF). He begins with a state-of-the-art review on iron repletion for patients with HF and iron deficiency. Both the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology now recommend IV iron replacement for these patients to improve functional status and quality of life.
Key Updates from the AHA/ACC/HFSA Heart Failure Management Guidelines
In episode #200 of Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast, special co-host Dr. Mark Belkin and the Journal of Cardiac Failure team discuss the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. Editors Dr. Robert Mentz, Dr. Anu Lala, and FIT editors highlight patient-centered updates and practice-changing guidance for diagnosing and managing heart failure, including newer therapeutics like SGLT2 inhibitors, emphasizing holistic care and improved patient outcomes.
GDMT in Heart Failure Cases, Emphasizing Beta Blockers and Titration Strategies
In episode #209 of Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast, Drs. Karan Desai, Natalie Stokes, and Tiffany Dong join Dr. Randall Starling to discuss guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) through real cases. In one case, a man with genetic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) experienced worsening symptoms.
Study Finds Empagliflozin Reduces Hospitalizations More Than Dapagliflozin in Patients With Heart Failure
A recent study compared the effects of empagliflozin and dapagliflozin on all-cause mortality and hospitalization in patients with heart failure (HF) using the TriNetX Research Collaborative Network database. Among 28,075 patients newly started on either drug, 11,077 in each group were matched for demographics and comorbidities. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or hospitalization within one year, with secondary outcomes including individual components of the primary outcome, last measured HbA1c, and adverse effects.
Treatment Effect of IV Iron in Iron-Deficient Heart Failure
The trial’s goal was to evaluate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus optimal medical therapy, compared with optimal medical therapy alone among individuals with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% and extensive coronary artery disease (CAD).
Heart Failure Guidelines: Question #14 with Dr. Javed Butler
Episode #281 in the CardioNerds Decipher the Guidelines Series discusses a question related to Section 9.5 of the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure, posed by Hirsh Elhence, a medical student from Keck School of Medicine USC and a CardioNerds intern. The question is framed around the most appropriate initial treatment for a 70-year-old woman who has been in the hospital for two weeks, with lab tests highlighting a significant rise in serum Creatinine and elevated liver enzymes. The initial answer is provided by Dr. Aman Kansal, a cardiology fellow from Duke University and a CardioNerds FIT Ambassador. A further answer is given by Dr. Javed Butler, President of the Baylor Scott and White Research Institute and Senior Vice President for the Baylor Scott and White Health.
Heart Failure Guidelines: Question #15 with Dr. Ileana Pina
In episode #285 of the CardioNerds Decipher the Guidelines Series, Western Michigan University medical student and CardioNerds intern…
Heart Failure Guidelines: Question #16 with Dr. Harriette Van Spall
Episode #289 in the CardioNerds Decipher the Guidelines Series refers to Sections 11.3 of the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure and discusses the case of a 33-year-old woman from Haiti, who is seeking family planning advice for a second child. Her previous pregnancy had complications due to preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy with an LVEF of 35%. The question – What is the medical recommendation for optimizing the woman’s health before her second pregnancy? – asked by Western Michigan University medical student and CardioNerds intern Shivani Reddy, is answered first by Johns Hopkins Osler internal medicine resident and CardioNerds Academy Fellow Dr. Justin Brilliant. Then, by expert faculty Dr. Harriette Van Spall, Associate Professor of Medicine, cardiologist, and Director of E-Health at McMaster University.
Heart Failure Guidelines: Question #17 with Dr. Biykem Bozkurt
In episode #291 in the CardioNerds Decipher the Guidelines Series, Keck School of Medicine USC medical student and CardioNerds intern Hirsh Elhence asks a question regarding the case of a 63-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and tobacco use disorder who presents for a routine check-up. Referring to Section 5.1 of the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure, the question inquiring of the best addition to optimize the male’s medical therapy is answered first by Greater Baltimore Medical Center medicine resident and Johns Hopkins MPH student and CardioNerds Academy House Chief Dr. Alaa Diab. Then, by expert faculty Dr. Biykem Bozkurt, the Mary and Gordon Cain Chair, Professor of Medicine, Director of the Winters Center for Heart Failure Research, and an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
