JACC This Week

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses the five-year results of the SOFT TAVI trial, which compared self-expanding and balloon-expanding valves for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The findings reveal similar long-term outcomes for both valve types and anesthesia strategies, with subtle differences in stroke rates and pacemaker implanta...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examining the link between urinary thromboxane B2 metabolites and the risk of developing heart failure. The research suggests that high levels of these metabolites, potentially from the myocardium or other organs rather than platelets, are associated with an increased risk of heart...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study that uses machine learning to predict mortality and hospitalization risks in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). By leveraging large datasets and time-varying ICD data, the study developed a robust predictive model, though challenges remain regarding data gaps and its applicability to diverse patient po...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a comprehensive network meta-analysis published in JACC, which evaluates the optimal strategy for complete revascularization in patients with STEMI and multi-vessel disease. The study concludes that both immediate and staged complete revascularization improve patient outcomes over partial revascularization, with no significant advantage between angiog...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses the findings of a major randomized trial examining the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) in treating side branch stenosis during coronary bifurcation procedures. The study suggests that DCBs offer better one-year outcomes compared to non-coated balloons, showing a significant reduction in myocardial infarction rates, but highlights ongoing challenges...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses five key studies from the January 2025 JACC issue, covering advancements in coronary angioplasty, revascularization strategies for STEMI, machine learning for ICD patient outcomes, thromboxane's link to heart failure, and TAVR valve types and anesthesia approaches. These studies provide valuable insights into improving cardiovascular care and treatmen...

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on the long-term outcomes of two surgical approaches—anatomic and physiologic repair—for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. The findings suggest that while the complex anatomic repair offers better survival and reintervention-free outcomes, patient selection is crucial, with careful consideration needed, especially for...

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on the significant impact of seasonal influenza on mortality and hospitalizations among patients with heart failure. The research highlights that influenza is responsible for substantial excess deaths and hospitalizations in this vulnerable group, emphasizing the need for better vaccination uptake and preventive measures to reduce these risks.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on the impact of renal and liver function on clinical outcomes following tricuspid valve transcatheter H2O repair in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. While the study found no significant differences in organ function between repair and control groups at 12 months, successful repairs showed small but favorable improvements in kidne...

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Furster discusses a groundbreaking study on the role of oxidized phospholipids in calcific aortic valvular disease, highlighting their significant association with disease prevalence and progression. The findings suggest that targeting oxidized phospholipids, not just the Lp(a) particle, could offer a promising new therapeutic approach to treat this condition.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study on cardiac MRI predictors of arrhythmic sudden cardiac events in patients with Fontan circulation, highlighting key risk factors for these life-threatening incidents. The study, part of the multi-center FORCE registry, reveals significant findings, including the impact of clinical status and ventricular function, while emphasizi...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster highlights five cutting-edge cardiology studies from the December 2024 issue of JACC, covering topics such as cardiac MRI's role in predicting sudden cardiac events in Fontan patients, the impact of oxidized phospholipids on calcific aortic valve disease, and the effects of renal and liver function on outcomes after tricuspid valve repair. With insights on mort...

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study on the efficacy and safety of a novel low-dose triple combination pill for the initial treatment of hypertension. The study highlights how a single pill containing three blood pressure-lowering agents can significantly reduce blood pressure while improving patient adherence, offering a promising solution for hypertension managem...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses the ASSURE DES trial, which compared aspirin monotherapy to withholding antiplatelet therapy in stable patients with drug-eluting stents undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The trial found no significant difference in major adverse outcomes between the two strategies, though minor bleeding was more common in the aspirin group, leading to a recommendation...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster delves into the latest research surrounding the use of the mitral clip for patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation, comparing the results of three major trials: the French MITRA-FR trial, the American COAPT trial, and the Reshape HF 2 trial. While the COAPT and Reshape HF 2 trials show positive outcomes, especially in reducing hospitalizations and...

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster delves into the latest research surrounding the use of the mitral clip for patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation, comparing the results of three major trials: the French MITRA-FR trial, the American COAPT trial, and the Reshape HF 2 trial. While the COAPT and Reshape HF 2 trials show positive outcomes, especially in reducing hospitalizations and...

In the December 10, 2024 JACC issue, a study from the EXCEL trial examines the link between bleeding complications and mortality in patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing PCI or CABG. The findings highlight that while PCI showed lower rates of bleeding, both procedures had bleeding-related mortality risks, underscoring the need for strategies to minimize bleeding during and aft...

In the December 2024 issue of JACC, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes five pivotal clinical studies, including one on bleeding and mortality following revascularization for left main coronary artery disease, which highlights higher bleeding rates post-CABG compared to PCI. Other key articles explore the use of the MitraClip in treating moderate-to-severe functional mitral regurgitation, evaluating it...

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster introduces a state-of-the-art review on "Sudden Death in Obesity," exploring its mechanisms and management. Expert contributors from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Aalto University discuss key concepts, clinical characteristics, arrhythmia mechanisms, and therapeutic implications of this critical health issue.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study published in JACC that examines the impact of the POET trial on the treatment of infective endocarditis. The study found that transitioning to oral antibiotic therapy after just 10 days of intravenous treatment reduced hospital stays by 8 days, without increasing mortality, and lowered relapse rates of bacteremia, suggesting a m...

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

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

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

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

JACC Associate Editor Theresa McDonagh, MBBCH  speaks with author Akshay S. Desai, MD, FACC about this paper on pulse pressure published in JACC and presented at AHA. In a pooled analysis of 16,950 patients with chronic HFmrEF or HFpEF enrolled from 4 global randomized clinical trials, a J-shaped relationship was observed between SBP and the risk of adverse CV events, with the lowest risk occurrin...