JACC This Week

Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, Editor-in-Chief of JACC, speaks with Ania Jastreboff, MD, PhD, in this 8 part video series. In this portion, they discuss why cardiologists should care about obesity, and how JACC is raising awareness of treating obesity and helping patients.

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 managing bifurcation lesions, especially considering the high cost and potential risks.

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 angiographic and functional guidance, suggesting that angiographic guidance alone may be sufficient in clinical practice.

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 populations.

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 failure, offering a potential new biomarker for early detection and targeted prevention strategies.

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 implantations, emphasizing the growing safety and efficacy of conscious sedation in TAVR procedures.

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 treatment.

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 mortality risks from influenza in heart failure patients and the outcomes of anatomical versus physiological repair for congenital heart defects, the episode offers a comprehensive look at critical advancements in cardiovascular care.

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 emphasizing the importance of large-scale research in improving outcomes for single ventricle patients.

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.