Heart Matters

Guest: Frederick Ruberg, MD What will the future of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) care look like? Dr. Frederick Ruberg joins us to share his perspective on the advances that may shape the next phase of patient care, from screening and therapeutic strategies to expanded genetic testing aimed at identifying patients earlier. He's the Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston Medica...

Host: Shelina Ramnarine, PhD Guest: Payal Kohli, MD, FACC In women, hypertension follows a distinct biological and clinical course that evolves across reproductive and menopausal transitions, but its long-term implications remain underrecognized and undertreated. In this expert-led discussion, Dr. Shelina Ramnarine and Dr. Payal Kohli examine key considerations in managing hypertension in women an...

Guest: Ronald Witteles, MD What clinical clues should raise suspicion for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)? Find out as Dr. Ronald Witteles examines the cardiac and extracardiac manifestations that can help us recognize this often-overlooked disease. He's a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford Medicine and the Co-Director of the Stanford Amyloid Center and Multidisciplina...

Guest: Ronald Witteles, MD Even with growing awareness of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), delays in diagnosis remain a significant challenge. That's why Dr. Ronald Witteles, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford Medicine and Co-Director of the Stanford Amyloid Center, joins us to share practical strategies for recognizing ATTR-CM, implementing the appropriate diagnostic...

Guest: Valmiki Maharaj, MD With increasing recognition and more accessible diagnostic tools, ATTR-CM can no longer be overlooked in patients with atypical heart failure presentations. Dr. Valmiki Maharaj shades insights on connecting clinical clues, confirming diagnosis efficiently, and acting earlier to meaningfully impact long-term outcomes. He's the Director of the Heart Failure Clinic, the Car...

Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Jan Basile, MD Guest: Michael J. Bloch, MD, FAHA, FASH, FNLA When blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite treatment, adding more medications may not address the underlying cause. In this expert-led discussion, Drs. Jan Basile and Michael Bloch join Dr. Steve Jackson to examine often-overlooked drivers of hypertension, including aldosterone excess, volume over...

Guest: Kevin S. Shah, MD Patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) often experience significant quality of life challenges that extend beyond cardiac symptoms, including reduced mobility, fatigue, mood changes, and loss of independence. Dr. Kevin Shah discusses practical, patient-centered strategies to identify functional limitations, support emotional well-being, engage caregiv...

Host: Alexandria May, PharmD, BCPS Guest: Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, FACC, FAHA , FASPC, FNLA, FPCNA Hypertension is a key modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, but its prevalence, progression, and outcomes vary significantly across patient populations. In this program, Dr. Alexandria May and Dr. Keith Ferdinand discuss how social drivers of health, geography, access to care, and comorbid conditions...

Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Robert H. Eckel, MD, FAHA, FACC, FNLA Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder that can severely disrupt triglyceride metabolism and place patients at risk for life-threatening complications like acute pancreatitis. Tune in to hear Dr. Robert Eckel in conversation with Dr. Steve Jackson as they break down the key cardiometabolic risks of...

Guest: Jeffrey Hsu, MD, PhD The field of sports cardiology has experienced remarkable growth, with new guidelines, expanding programs, and increasing recognition of cardiovascular risk in athletes. Hear from Dr. Jeffrey Hsu as he shares current and emerging approaches to risk assessment, prevention, and management of cardiac conditions in this population. Dr. Hsu is a Clinical Assistant Professor...

Guest: Joban Vaishnav, MD When transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) progresses, an individualized and empathetic approach to patient conversations is key. Hear from Dr. Joban Vaishnav as she shares practical strategies for addressing patient fears while clarifying what progression truly means. Dr. Vaishnav is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Comprehensive Amyloidosi...

Guest: Joban Vaishnav, MD For patients newly diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), it's essential to set realistic expectations and prioritize whole-person care. Dr. Joban Vaishnav, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Comprehensive Amyloidosis Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine, shares insights on guiding these patients through this diagnosis.

Guest: Frederick Ruberg, MD Artificial intelligence has rapidly advanced disease recognition in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), and its role in guiding treatment selection, predicting progression, and refining prognosis is now being explored. Discover what's next in ATTR-CM care with Dr. Frederick Ruberg, Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Thomas J. Ryan...

Guest: Ahmad Masri, MD, MS New therapeutic approaches are reshaping how we think about managing transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Gain insight into the next generation of ATTR therapies as Dr. Ahmad Masri highlights evolving strategies beyond traditional stabilizers. He's an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University.

Guest: Kevin Alexander In the past decade, significant strides have been made in diagnosing and treating patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Increased disease awareness, non-invasive diagnostic tools like scintigraphy, and AI-assisted screening have led to earlier detection and improved outcomes. Learn more with Dr. Kevin Alexander, an Assistant Professor of Cardiovascula...

Guest: Quan Bui, MD Quality of life in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) varies widely by disease stage, but early detection and treatment can make a profound difference. Hear from Dr. Quan Bui as he highlights how recent therapeutic advances have transformed symptom management, even in advanced cases. Dr. Bui is a cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego Health.

Guest: Jun-ichi Abe, MD, PhD Cancer therapies can trigger both acute and chronic vascular effects, from treatment-induced hypertension to long-term atherosclerotic changes. Learn more as Dr. Jun-ichi Abe shares insights from his presentation at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. Dr. Abe is a Professor in the Department of Cardiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Canc...

A recent study explored the emerging role of KCNQ5 potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets to promote vasodilation and manage blood pressure. Hear from Dr. Geoffrey Abbott as he dives into cutting-edge research using a CRISPR-generated KCNQ5 knockout rat model, revealing critical insights into adrenergic signaling, vascular reactivity, and...

Guest: Susan Davis Emerging research is challenging long-held assumptions about the roles of estrogen and testosterone in women’s health—particularly in the context of aging and cardiometabolic risk. Hear from Dr. Susan Davis as she reviews the evolving evidence. Dr. Davis is an endocrinologist as well as the head of the Women’s Health Research Program and a Professor of Women's Health at Monash U...

Understanding how lipids and lipoproteins are formed, metabolized, and cleared is essential for accurate lipid interpretation and cardiovascular risk assessment. Hear from Dr. Robert Eckel as he explains these molecular mechanisms and implications for patient management. Dr. Eckel is a Professor Emeritus of Medicine with a primary appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabe...

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in women, yet it is often underrecognized due to gender bias in healthcare. Hear from Dr. Connie Newman as she explores the impact of bias on cardiovascular risk perception, highlights the importance of lipid and Lp(a) screening, and reviews evidence-based statin therapy strategies to improve outcomes for women. Dr. Newman is an Adjunct Prof...

Sex-based differences in lipid metabolism can have critical impacts on cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment. Hear from Dr. Connie Newman as she explains why understanding lipid metabolism in women is essential for accurate risk stratification and optimal treatment decisions. Dr. Newman is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes,...

Effective lipid management depends on identifying how specific dietary factors drive LDL cholesterol and triglyceride elevations. Dr. Robert Eckel shares evidence-based strategies for tailoring nutrition recommendations in patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Dr. Eckel is a Professor Emeritus of Medicine with a primary appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolis...

Statin intolerance, though uncommon, presents a challenge for patients who experience persistent side effects despite adjustments in dosing or switching statins. Dr. Matthew Sorrentino reviews evidence-baesd alternatives, shares insights on practical use in clinical care, and highlights the latest advances in lipoprotein (a)–targeted therapies now in late-stage development. Dr. Sorrentino is a Pro...

Effective management of hyperlipidemia requires tailoring treatment to a patient’s cardiovascular risk profile. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of care, while high-risk patients often require pharmacotherapy. Dr. Keith Ferdinand shares evidence-based strategies for reducing LDL and addressing comorbidities while engaging patients in shared decision making. Dr. Ferdinand is a Profess...