The HVC Podcast

In this cutting-edge session from the 2026 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, Dr. Jacob Mok explores a paradigm shift in how we detect and manage heart disease: moving beyond simple risk scores to direct Coronary Plaque Analysis.

For decades, the "gold standard" for screening was often limited to cholesterol panels or basic calcium scores. Dr. Mok demonstrates how new diagnostic technologies—including advanced Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) and AI-driven plaque characterization—allow clinicians to visualize not just the presence of disease, but the type of plaque (soft vs. calcified) and its potential for rupture. This "precision cardiology" approach enables more personalized treatment plans that can prevent heart attacks before they occur.

In this insightful session from the 2026 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, Dr. Pavani Kolakalapudi addresses a critical but often overlooked area of medicine: the unique cardiovascular risks women face during and after menopause.

As estrogen levels decline, women experience physiological changes that can significantly impact heart health—from shifts in lipid profiles to increased vascular stiffness. Dr. Kolakalapudi provides a deep dive into the latest 2026 clinical data, emphasizing that "heart health for women is not just a smaller version of heart health for men." This presentation is essential for clinicians and patients alike who are looking to navigate this life transition with a proactive, heart-first approach.

Presented By: Harsh Patel, DO, FACC

Is Lp(a) the missing piece in cardiovascular risk? > Modern lipidology is changing fast. In this episode, recorded live at the 2026 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, interventional cardiologist Dr. Patel breaks down one of the biggest shifts in heart health: the critical and evolving role of Lipoprotein(a).

Presenter: Aman Kakkar, MD, FACC

In this vital session from the 2026 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, founding member of Heart and Vascular Care (HVC), Dr. Kakkar, provides an expert breakdown of the newly released 2026 Lipid Guidelines.

The landscape of cholesterol management has shifted significantly this year.  This presentation is essential for healthcare providers looking to align their practice with the latest standards in cardiovascular prevention and for patients wanting to understand the future of lipid management.

Guest Speaker: Chris Ingalls, Ph.D. Georgia State University

In this session from the 2026 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, hosted by Heart and Vascular Care (HVC), we are joined by Dr. Chris Ingalls to explore the critical intersection of physical fitness and long-term cardiovascular health.

Dr. Ingalls breaks down the latest physiological data regarding exercise as a clinical tool, discussing how cardiovascular conditioning impacts disease prevention, patient recovery, and overall longevity. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a patient looking to optimize your heart health, this presentation offers evidence-based insights into the power of movement.

In this remarkable crossover edition of the HVC Podcast, we're excited to shine a spotlight on our own Amier Ahmad, MD. Recently, Dr. Ahmad joined Dr. Bruce Feinberg on "The Weekly Check-Up" radio show, where he discusses how the body indicates an underlying electrical or vascular problem and the ways modern medicine can help stabilize these systems. 

As an Electrophysiologist and General Cardiologist, Dr. Ahmad specializes in the intricate "wiring" of the heart. His expertise focuses on diagnosing and treating complex cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

In this special episode, we’re highlighting our very own Dr. Bhatt, who recently joined Dr. Feinberg on The Weekly Check-Up to discuss the most important muscle in your body. 

In this episode, Dr. Bhatt dives deep into the world of preventive cardiology. While reactive medicine has its place, the real magic happens when we stay ahead of the curve. He shares his philosophy on using an integrative approach—combining traditional medical excellence with lifestyle strategies—to ensure your heart stays as resilient as possible.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common and challenging conversations in clinical practice: the patient who is hesitant or outright refuses to start statin therapy.

Join Dr. Bhatt and Jaymie Bailey, PA, as they tackle the complexities of statin adherence with a focus on empathy, evidence, and patient-centered care.

This episode is a must-listen for both clinicians looking to enhance their communication skills and patients seeking a balanced, informed perspective on heart health management.

Join us for this special episode recorded live at the 2025 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, a cutting-edge event dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care in North Metro Atlanta.

In this exclusive session, we spotlight the latest breakthroughs in cardiology and vascular innovation with a deep dive into TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement). Our guest, Dr. Sakr from Northside Heart Institute, shares expert insights on the evolution of TAVR technology, patient selection, and how this minimally invasive procedure is reshaping treatment pathways for aortic stenosis.

Whether you're a provider looking to enhance your clinical knowledge or a listener passionate about the future of heart care, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of today’s most impactful cardiovascular advancements.

In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 Atlanta Cardiovascular Symposium, we explore innovative tools that are transforming cardiovascular diagnostics and patient care in North Metro Atlanta.

Join Dr. Kolakalapudi from Heart and Vascular Care as we dive into the power of Coronary CTA with FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) a game-changing, non-invasive approach for evaluating coronary artery disease. Discover how this advanced imaging technique enhances diagnostic accuracy, streamlines treatment decisions, and improves outcomes for patients with chest pain and suspected CAD.

Whether you're a clinician, technologist, or healthcare leader, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most promising frontiers in cardiovascular imaging.