UTHSC PA Program Podcast

In this high-yield cardiology episode, we break down the essentials of Acute Coronary Syndromes—stable angina, unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI. Using a clear, comparison-driven approach, we walk through pathophysiology, hallmark symptoms, EKG findings, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based management. From recognizing angina red flags to understanding when rapid reperfusion is lifesaving, this episode gives PA students and clinicians the structured, clinically focused review they need. Includes memorable pearls, clinical pitfalls, and real-world decision-making frameworks to strengthen your ACS knowledge.

References

1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.

2) Rao SV, O'Donoghue ML, Ruel M, Rab T, Tamis-Holland JE, Alexander JH, Baber U, Baker H, Cohen MG, Cruz-Ruiz M, Davis LL, de Lemos JA, DeWald TA, Elgendy IY, Feldman DN, Goyal A, Isiadinso I, Menon V, Morrow DA, Mukherjee D, Platz E, Promes SB, Sandner S, Sandoval Y, Schunder R, Shah B, Stopyra JP, Talbot AW, Taub PR, Williams MS, Jneid H, Beavers CJ, Beckie T, Blankenship J, Diercks D, Lo B, Louis C, Merchant FM, Nazir NT, So D, Tomey M, Welt F, Otto CM, Beckman JA, Armbruster A, Blumer V, de las Fuentes L, Deswal A, Ferrari VA, Fremes SE; for the ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. 2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2025 Apr 1;151(13):e771-e862. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001309.

3) Bhatt DL, Lopes RD, Harrington RA. Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Review. JAMA. 2022;327(7):662-675. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.0358.

Dive into the fundamentals of congenital heart disease in this high-yield episode covering three cornerstone conditions every clinician should recognize: Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD), Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA), and Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). We break down key pathophysiology, classic physical exam findings, newborn screening clues, hallmark imaging signs, and essential management approaches.

References

1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.

2) Meng X, Zhang L, Li J, et al. Congenital heart disease: types, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Transl Pediatr. 2024;13:tpad.2023.0419. doi:10.21037/tp-23-0419. PMID:38974713; PMCID:PMC11224996. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38974713/

3) Puri K, Allen HD, Qureshi AM. Congenital heart disease. Pediatr Rev. 2017 Oct;38(10):471-486. doi:10.1542/pir.2017-0032. Available at: https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article/38/10/471/32004/Congenital-Heart-Disease?autologincheck=redirected