Explore every episode of the podcast JACC Podcast

JACC Associate Editor Khurram Nasir, MBBS, FACC, speaks with author Michael J. Koren, MD, FACC, on his Featured Clinical Research study published in JACC and presented at ACC.25. This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging phase 2 study assessed efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AZD0780, a small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. The study randomized 428 patients (426 started treatment) with hypercholesterolemia on standard-of-care statin therapy to daily oral administrations of AZD0780 1, 3, 10 or 30 mg, or matching placebo for 12 weeks. AZD0780 significantly reduced LDL-C levels versus placebo at all doses (from 35.3% to 50.7%) and demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile similar to placebo. These findings support further development of AZD0780 as part of a simple, oral regimen for lowering LDL-C beyond that achieved with statin therapy.

This interview with JACC: Associate Editor Neha J. Pagidipati, MD, FACC, and author Kausik Ray, MD, FACC, reviews Dr. Ray’s phase one study on solbinsiran, an siRNA therapy targeting ANGPTL3 to reduce triglycerides and cardiovascular risk. Dr. Ray explains the study's findings, including significant reductions in triglycerides, ApoB, and LDL, with a favorable safety profile. The conversation also touches on the broader landscape of ANGPTL3 inhibitors, the implications of HDL reduction, and the anticipation of phase two results to be presented at ACC 2025.

Join here for an insightful discussion with Federico Pappalardo, MD and Sanket Dhruva, MD, FACC on the groundbreaking ALT-SHOCK 2 RCT, the largest randomized trial on intra-aortic balloon pump therapy in heart failure cardiogenic shock. Learn about the trial's key findings, implications for clinical practice, and the future of mechanical circulatory support in this critically ill patient population.

Join JACC Associate Editor Khurram Nasir, MBBS, FACC, and author Rohan Khera, MD, FACC, as they discuss the latest study on tirzepatide presented at ACC.25 and published in JACC. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, exerts pleiotropic effects on cardiometabolic health. This study evaluated its efficacy in improving cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with T2D. An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted, pooling data from seven Phase 3 RCTs comparing tirzepatide with placebo or standard antihyperglycemic agents. The study outcomes included cardiometabolic components of metabolic syndrome (MetS), elevated BMI, and MetS. Tirzepatide significantly reduced the odds of these abnormalities and effectively resolved MetS, with superior efficacy observed in younger individuals and those not on baseline SGLT2is. These findings support the potential of tirzepatide to improve cardiometabolic health in T2D.

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 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 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 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 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

In this insightful discussion, Christie Ballantyne, MD, FACC shares research on targeting APOC-III with Plozasiran to manage hypertriglyceridemia. He and JACC Associate Editor Marc P. Bonaca, MD, FACC discuss the impact on lipoprotein particle size, LDL composition, and potential cardiovascular benefits. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of lipid management and cardiovascular risk reduction – listen now and read the study in JACC: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.03.496 #jaccjournals #jacc #acc25

Hosts Mitsuaki Sawano, MD, and Shun Kohsaka, MD, FACC, welcome Saki Ito, MD, a physician scientist at the Mayo Clinic, to discuss key topics expected at the upcoming ACC.25 in Chicago and a nuanced phenotype of aortic stenosis (AS): high-gradient AS with an aortic valve area (AVA) greater than 1.0 cm². Drawing from a recent retrospective study at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Ito examines the heterogeneous nature of this group—including patients with bicuspid valves and elevated stroke volume due to larger body size—and the potential prognostic benefit of aortic valve replacement (AVR) despite the absence of classic severity markers.

Watch here for a video interview with JACC Associate Editor Michelle Kittleson, MD, FACC, and author Mathew S. Muarer, MD, FACC, as they discuss Dr. Maurer’s study published in JACC and presented at ACC.25. This exploratory analysis of HELIOS-B assessed the efficacy of vutrisiran versus placebo in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) by subgroups of baseline heart failure severity (primarily by NYHA class and NT-proBNP levels). Vutrisiran showed evidence of benefit vs placebo on mortality, cardiovascular events, functional capacity, quality of life, and cardiac biomarkers across the range of baseline disease severities in patients enrolled in HELIOS-B, with greatest benefit observed in patients with earlier, less severe disease.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study comparing bioprosthetic and mechanical aortic valve replacements, revealing that mechanical valves provide a survival benefit for patients under 60, despite the inconvenience of anticoagulation. The study's findings challenge the increasing trend toward bioprosthetic valves, emphasizing that individualized patient care should remain the focus in choosing the best valve option.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study that leverages artificial intelligence for early detection and risk stratification of structural heart diseases (SHD) using electrocardiographic images. The study, led by Dr. Lovdeep Dingre and Dr. Rohan Khera from Yale School of Medicine, presents an ensemble deep learning model that accurately identifies multiple SHD conditions, demonstrating high sensitivity and potential for transforming cardiac care through early, accessible screening.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study from the ISCHEMIA trial, showing that achieving multiple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) goals—especially blood pressure control—reduces cardiovascular events in chronic coronary artery disease patients. The study highlights the importance of early goal attainment and adherence, with the POLYPILL offering a potential solution to improve patient compliance.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study that explores the role of remnant cholesterol in peripheral arterial disease, revealing it as a stronger and more direct cause of the disease than LDL cholesterol. The findings challenge traditional views on lipid management, emphasizing the need for targeted therapies to address remnant cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risks.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster, editor emeritus of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, presents a comprehensive summary of the April 1, 2025 issue, covering five groundbreaking studies in cardiovascular research. Key highlights include insights on mechanical vs. bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement, AI-driven screening for structural heart disease, the impact of guideline-directed medical therapy in chronic coronary artery disease, and the significance of remnant cholesterol in peripheral arterial disease.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster reviews the ischemia trial's findings on invasive versus conservative treatment strategies for patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs). The trial revealed that while revascularization of CTOs improved quality of life for angina, the invasive approach did not significantly reduce heart-related deaths or heart attacks compared to conservative 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.

Hosts Mitsuaki Sawano, MD, Shun Kohsaka, MD, FACC, and Makoto Mori, MD (Associate Editor) welcome Dr. Tsuyoshi Kaneko, MD, a cardiovascular surgeon, to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts at Columbia University and findings from a large-scale STS database study on bioprosthetic vs. mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients aged 40-75 years. Dr. Kaneko provides a surgical perspective on risk-adjusted comparisons, data linkage challenges, and potential biases, while also sharing insights on publishing in JACC and essential writing tips for Japanese researchers.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes the March 25, 2025, issue of the JACC, which focuses on advancements in electrophysiology. Highlights include groundbreaking studies on leadless pacemakers, atrial fibrillation treatments, and appropriate use criteria for cardiac devices, with key papers exploring the safety of pacemaker retrieval, the role of electrograms in ablation procedures, and long-term outcomes for left atrial appendage occlusion devices.

Listen to the editor's page of the March 25th JACC issue, in which Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, FACC, highlights how cardiac electrophysiology is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological advancements and evolving treatment strategies. Key topics include long-term insights from the AMPLATZER Amulet trial, the role of intracardiac electrograms in ventricular tachycardia ablation, and shifting anticoagulation strategies in atrial fibrillation. The issue also emphasizes the growing role of device-based therapies, such as leadless pacemakers, and explores the intersection of electrophysiology with structural cardiology and precision medicine.

In this video on research published in JACC and presented at ACC.25, Yuan Lu, ScD, JACC: Executive Associate Editor, discusses her study on optimal blood pressure management for adults aged 80 and above. Her study found that systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg is associated with lower cardiovascular risk, while levels above 145 mmHg increase heart-related mortality. The study supports intensive blood pressure management but emphasizes the need for personalized treatment and further research on long-term effects and potential risks.#jacc #jaccjournals #acc25

In this video discussion with JACC: Associate Editor Michelle M. Kittleson, MD, PhD, FACC, and authors Eric Hall, MD and James A. de Lemos, MD, FACC, they review this study published in JACC & presented at ACC.25. Do patients who survive cardiogenic shock have neurocognitive consequences at intermediate-term follow-up? New cognitive impairment is common at discharge and 3 months after CS and is associated with worse quality of life and functional status. #jacc #jaccjournals #acc25

Join JACC: Executive Associate Editor Mitsuaki Sawano, MD, FACC, and author Mats Lassen, MD discuss Dr. Lassen’s study on the link between acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and an increased incidence of cardiovascular events, particularly in older adults, using comprehensive nationwide data from Denmark. The findings, published in JACC and presented at ACC.25, highlight the need for heightened awareness among healthcare providers, potential adjustments in patient management during RSV season, and further research into whether RSV vaccines may help reduce cardiovascular complications. #jacc #jaccjournals #acc.25

In this brief report from the BMC2 registry published in JACC and presented at ACC.25, Eric Cantey, MD, FACC, and Celina Yong discuss the study findings. In light of the DanGer Shock Trial, there is a need to define the current practice patterns in the care of AMI-CS. There is overall low annual case volumes of AMI-CS with significant heterogeneity in the intraprocedural utilization of MCS and RHC.

Hosts Mitsuaki Sawano, MD, and Shun Kohsaka, MD, FACC, discuss the end of Skype and before welcoming Dr. Nobuyuki Kagiyama, MD (Juntendo University), to explore findings from the SONIC-HF Registry on the prognostic value of diaphragm ultrasound in heart failure patients. The episode covers ultrasound methodology, research challenges, and clinical implications for heart failure management.

Listen to the editor's page of the March 18th JACC issue, Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, and Kushal T Kadakia, MSc, examine the troubled history of the Select IVC filter, a device approved by the FDA in 2007, which was later linked to severe safety issues due to clinical trial misconduct and regulatory oversights. In this audio version of their page, they note that the case reveals systemic vulnerabilities in medical research, regulation, and publication practices, emphasizing the importance of transparency, rigorous oversight, and ethical conduct in medical device development. They propose key actions for regulators, industry, medical journals, and clinicians to improve patient safety, trust, and the integrity of medical research.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster highlights a groundbreaking study on acoramides, a novel treatment for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR), which shows significant reductions in mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to a placebo. Experts discuss the clinical implications, comparing acoramides to the previously approved tafamidis, noting exciting advancements in treatments for a once-untreatable disease.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study on the link between cigarette smoking and subclinical cardiovascular harm, focusing on markers of inflammation, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. The research, based on data from over 182,000 participants across 22 cohorts, reveals how smoking intensity and duration impact early cardiovascular damage and highlights the potential of these biomarkers in shaping future public health strategies and regulatory policies.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster highlights key research from the March 18th, 2025 issue of the JACC. The studies cover groundbreaking findings in heart failure management, genetic testing in cardiovascular diseases, the effectiveness of a new drug for amyloidosis, and the cardiovascular harm caused by smoking, offering valuable insights for clinical practice and patient care.

In this podcast highlights the growing concern over transcatheter valve failure following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), emphasizing the need for standardized imaging protocols and frequent follow-ups. Experts discuss best practices for monitoring and managing these patients, urging collaborative international efforts to validate new imaging techniques and improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a 14-year study on the clinical impact of genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular diseases, conducted by Dr. Steffany Grondin at the Montreal Heart Institute. The study found that genetic testing helped diagnose 24% of patients, refine clinical management, and improve variant interpretation, while also highlighting the need for more research and better access to genetic expertise in healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster dives into a groundbreaking scientific statement from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, providing updated clinical considerations for competitive athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities. The statement, which integrates 40 years of research, focuses on preventing sudden cardiac death and improving shared decision-making strategies for athletes facing heart conditions, offering expert guidance across 11 key task forces.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) for managing hyperkalemia in heart failure patients on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) like spironolactone. While SZC effectively reduced hyperkalemia and allowed higher spironolactone doses, concerns over worsening heart failure events highlight the complex balance between treatment benefits and risks.

In this week's JACC Baran (Episode 4), hosts Mitsuaki Sawano, MD, JACC Executive Associate Editor, and Shun Kohsaka, MD, FACC, JACC Regional Editor welcome Koshiro Sakai, MD, to discuss the 2025 revised ACS guidelines and Photon-Counting CT (PCD-CT). A retrospective cohort study of 7,500 cases suggested an association between PCD-CT and enhanced diagnostic accuracy, with potential implications for reducing unnecessary invasive catheterization procedures. The episode also highlights global research perspectives and the importance of clear scientific communication.