This discussion between JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology Associate Editor Sumeet Chugh, MD, FACC and author Jonathan Drezner discuss this research study presented at ACC.25 and published in JACC. In the observational study, they identified cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among young competitive athletes >/=11 years old from 7/1/2014-7/30/2023. During the 9-year study period, overall survival after SCA (49%,range 30-66%) and survival after exertional SCA (57%,range 38-72%) increased. Black race (RR=0.63,95% CI 0.53-0.76), Other race (RR=0.69,95% CI 0.50-0.94), and non-exertional SCA (RR=0.43,95% CI 0.32-0.59) were associated with lower survival from SCA adjusting for level of competition and sex. While survival from SCA among young competitive athletes in the United States has improved in the last decade, important racial disparities in outcomes were observed warranting additional research and prevention strategies.

Makoto Mori, MD, JACC: Associate Editor, is joined by author John K. Forrest, MD, FACC, discussing this study from Forrest et al presented at ACC.25 and published in JACC. Patients with severe aortic stenosis who were treated with either a supraannular self-expanding TAVR or surgery showed comparable rates of all-cause mortality and disabling stroke at 5 years, strengthening TAVR as a safe, effective, and durable alternative to surgery for patients, regardless of their surgical risk.

Hosts Mitsuaki Sawano, MD, and Regional Associate Editor Nobuhiro Ikemura, MD, welcome Takashi Ikenouchi, MD, a physician scientist at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Institute, to discuss the headline-grabbing “Gold Card” sale and a novel approach to atrial fibrillation: an embryological classification of arrhythmogenic triggers. While pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of AF ablation, up to 30% of triggers originate outside the pulmonary veins, contributing to recurrence and suboptimal outcomes. As PVI outcomes begin to plateau, this embryology-informed framework—categorizing triggers into common pulmonary vein, sinus venosus, and primitive atrium origins—offers a path toward more personalized and precise AF therapies.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster presents key findings from the April 8, 2025 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, covering three groundbreaking studies. Topics include the newly defined threshold for mild aortic stenosis using MRI, the relationship between heat wave exposure and cardiac mortality, and the long-term outcomes of aortic valve performance in patients undergoing TAVR versus surgery.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study on mild aortic stenosis, which redefines its diagnostic threshold using deep learning and velocity-encoded MRI. The findings suggest that even mild cases, previously considered benign, are linked to increased cardiovascular risks, highlighting the potential for early intervention and the critical role of AI in advancing cardiovascular research.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study examining the non-linear relationship between cardiac mortality and heat waves, focusing on how excess temperature during these events can impact heart disease death rates. The study reveals that compound heat waves, involving both day and night temperatures, significantly increase mortality risks, emphasizing the need for more precise heat wave definitions and health measures to protect vulnerable populations in a warming climate.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster presents a study evaluating the five-year outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients. The study shows that TAVR leads to significantly better valve performance but highlights that both procedures' long-term success is hindered by bioprosthetic valve dysfunction, underscoring the need for individualized treatment strategies and longer follow-up studies.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster reviews a comprehensive study on the cardiovascular care of pediatric athletes, focusing on preventing sudden cardiac arrest and managing sports-related heart risks. The discussion highlights the importance of shared decision-making between healthcare providers, parents, and coaches, while addressing various heart conditions, screening strategies, and exercise recommendations for young athletes.

This interview features JACC Associate Editor Neha Pagidipati, MD, FACC, speaking with Maria Pabon, MD and Muthu Vaduganathan, MD about their study on finerenone’s role in reducing new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with cardio-kidney metabolic disease. The discussion covers the methodology and findings of a pooled analysis from three major clinical trials, highlighting finerenone’s 17% risk reduction in atrial fibrillation, its potential mechanisms, and the need for greater diversity in clinical trial populations. They also touch on comparative evidence with other mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and the broader implications for heart failure management.

Dhruv Kazi, MBBS, MS, FACC and first author Mohammed Essa, MD, discuss their newly published JACC Brief Report presented at ACC.25 on cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction, with a focus on patients who experience cardiogenic shock. JACC: Associate Editor Jason H. Wasfy, MD, MPhil, FACC, asks questions to explore the significant underutilization of cardiac rehab, the impact of social determinants of health, and potential policy changes to improve access and outcomes. Join the conversation as they highlight key findings and the need for innovative solutions in cardiovascular care. #jacc #jaccjournals #acc25