Heart Matters
by ReachMD
Since cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., cardiology physicians are continuously working to better understand this common disease and to help patients improve their heart health. And here to assist cardiology physicians in this mission is Heart Matters, a series dedicated to covering essential strategies and research efforts focusing on all types of heart problems, including coronary artery diseases, heart attacks, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more.So whether you’re looking for ways to improve heart health or catch up on the latest cardiology research, you never have to worry about missing a beat thanks to Heart Matters.
Episodes
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Examining the Link Between Surgical Menopause and Heart Failure
Guest: Elise Shalowitz, MS New research is examining the relationship between gynecologic surgery and heart failure in women. Learn more about how surgery type and timing were associated with heart failure risk with Elise Shalowitz, a Principal Clinical Research Professional at the Colorado…
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Navigating Chronic Anticoagulation Reversal in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP Guest: Ahmet Kilic, MD FACS When cardiothoracic surgery can’t wait, chronic anticoagulation can further complicate an already complex clinical picture. In this conversation with Dr. Brian McDonough, Dr. Ahmet Kilic explores the factors that can help inform...
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Improving ATTR-CM Care Through Community-Specialist Partnership
Guest: Alex Reyentovich, MD Community providers and amyloidosis specialists each play a vital role in diagnosing and managing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Join Dr. Alex Reyentovich as he explains how this partnership can improve both patient care and diagnosis rates. Dr....
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Subcutaneous Lp(a)-Lowering Therapies: Understanding the Evidence
Guest: M. Melih Dogan, MD What does current evidence tell us about subcutaneous lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapies? Find out as Dr. M. Melih Dogan shares findings from a recent meta-analysis examining their efficacy, safety, and effects on key lipid parameters, along with the limitations that…
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Exploring AI-Powered ATTR-CM Detection
Guest: Bruno Batinica, MD Earlier recognition of ATTR-CM remains a challenge, but emerging applications of AI could offer a new way to raise clinical suspicion. Dr. Bruno Batinica, a Postdoctoral Associate at the Yale School of Medicine, explores how AI models could identify patterns in ECG and...
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Advancing ATTR-CM Identification: Early Findings from TRACE-AI
Guest: Bruno Batinica, MD Could multimodal AI help identify patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) who might otherwise go undiagnosed? Dr. Bruno Batinica, a Postdoctoral Associate at the Yale School of Medicine, joins us to share early findings from the TRACE-AI study,...
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Anticoagulation Reversal Decisions in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Case-Based Insights
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Akshay Kumar, MD In cardiothoracic surgery, the need for anticoagulation reversal can arise quickly, and the path forward isn’t always clear. In this case-based discussion with Dr. Brian McDonough, Dr. Akshay Kumar shares his perspective on making...
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Navigating ASCVD and Pancreatitis Risk in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Andrew Freeman, MD, FACC, FACP In this episode of Heart Matters, Dr. Charles Turck is joined by Dr. Andrew Freeman to take a case-based look at severe hypertriglyceridemia and explore how the 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart...
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A More Complete View of Cardiovascular Risk in Women
Guest: Noel Bairey Merz, MD Cardiovascular risk in women can emerge well before older age, but traditional approaches to risk assessment may overlook sex-specific factors in patients under 65. Dr. Noel Bairey Merz joins us to share how tools such as the PREVENT score and coronary artery calcium...
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Updated AACE Guidance on Managing Dyslipidemia in T2D
Guest: Scott D. Isaacs, MD FACP, FACE Dyslipidemia is a major driver of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and lipid management is a key component of the 2026 AACE diabetes algorithm. Join Dr. Scott Isaacs as he reviews new recommendations on LDL-C goals and…
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Complication-Centric Diabetes Care: Addressing Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk
Guest: Scott D. Isaacs, MD FACP, FACE For patients with diabetes, effective care requires more than just lowering A1C. Dr. Scott Isaacs joins us to discuss the importance of incorporating comorbidities into care and strategies for systematic screening and follow-up. He’s the Immediate Past...
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Applying Guideline Recommendations to ACS Management
Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Sunil Rao, MD The 2025 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) reflects more than a decade of new evidence, but what will actually change at the bedside? Tune in to…
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Overcoming Challenges in ATTR-CM Diagnosis
Guest: Sumeet Mitter MD, MSc, FACC Even with advances in noninvasive imaging, diagnosing ATTR-CM isn’t always straightforward. That's why Dr. Sumeet Mitter joins us to discuss how we can address key challenges in diagnosis and navigate the path to treatment. He's the Director of Inova Schar Heart...
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Multidisciplinary Care in ATTR-CM: Building the Right Team
Guest: Sumeet Mitter MD, MSc, FACC Because transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a systemic disease, effective ATTR-CM management requires expertise beyond cardiology. Dr. Sumeet Mitter joins us to discuss the roles of neurology, hematology-oncology, genetic counseling, and nephrology...
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Building Clinical Expertise in ATTR-CM Management
Guest: Sumeet Mitter MD, MSc, FACC As advances in RNA silencers, gene-editing technologies, and immunotherapy reshape the ATTR-CM landscape, it's important to stay informed and build confidence navigating this increasingly complex field. Dr. Sumeet Mitter, Director of Inova Schar Heart and…
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The Future of ATTR-CM Care: A Look at What's Next
Guest: Sumeet Mitter MD, MSc, FACC The future of ATTR-CM care may extend beyond slowing disease progression to detecting it sooner—and potentially reversing its effects. Dr. Sumeet Mitter, Director of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Research and the Infiltrative and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy…
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Managing Acute PE: Updates from the 2026 AHA/ACC Guideline
Host: Mary Leuchars, MD Guest: Mark Creager, MD The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults introduces a new clinical categorization framework to help evaluate risk and determine the…
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From Goals to Action: Multisociety Guidance on Lipid Management
Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD With LDL cholesterol goals reinstated in the 2026 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia, we now have a clearer framework for intensifying lipid-lowering therapy. Dr. Ann Marie Navar explains how to...
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Managing Dyslipidemia: 2026 ACC/AHA Guideline Updates
Guest: Roger Blumenthal, MD What do the 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) dyslipidemia guideline updates mean for patient care? Join Dr. Roger Blumenthal, Chair of the Guideline Writing Committee, as he reviews key recommendations that can help us...
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How PCSK9 Inhibition Lowers LDL Cholesterol
Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD How does PCSK9 inhibition lower LDL cholesterol? Find out as Dr. Ann Marie Navar, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, explains the biology behind this therapeutic approach.
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Enlicitide for LDL-C Management: Insights from CORALreef Lipids
Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD The CORALreef Lipids trial helped establish the clinical evidence supporting the FDA approval of enlicitide for LDL-C management. Join Dr. Ann Marie Navar, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, for a discussion of...
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Risk Prediction with the PREVENT-ASCVD Equations
Guest: Roger Blumenthal, MD As the drivers of cardiovascular disease have shifted over time, so have the tools used to estimate risk. Dr. Roger Blumenthal explains why the PREVENT-ASCVD equations represent an important advance over traditional models and what that means for more accurate,...
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The Patient You Might Be Missing: Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in Clinical Practice
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS Severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) affects more than 3 million people, but it often flies under the clinical radar.1-3 When triglycerides are at or above a 500 mg/dL threshold, it’s no longer just an isolated lab value—it’s a...
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Evaluating ASCVD Risk with the CPR Framework
Guest: Roger Blumenthal, MD The 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia highlights the CPR framework—Calculate, Personalize, Reclassify, and Reassess—to support individualized atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease...
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Looking Ahead in ATTR-CM Care: Improving Diagnosis, Outcomes, and Equity
Guest: Frederick Ruberg, MD What will the future of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) care look like? Dr. Frederick Ruberg joins us to share his perspective on the advances that may shape the next phase of patient care, from screening and therapeutic strategies to expanded genetic...
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Hypertension in Women: Cardiovascular Risk Across the Lifespan
Host: Shelina Ramnarine, PhD Guest: Payal Kohli, MD, FACC In women, hypertension follows a distinct biological and clinical course that evolves across reproductive and menopausal transitions, but its long-term implications remain underrecognized and undertreated. In this expert-led discussion…
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Early Recognition of ATTR-CM: Key Signs and Diagnostic Strategies
Guest: Valmiki Maharaj, MD With increasing recognition and more accessible diagnostic tools, ATTR-CM can no longer be overlooked in patients with atypical heart failure presentations. Dr. Valmiki Maharaj shades insights on connecting clinical clues, confirming diagnosis efficiently, and acting...
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Diagnosing ATTR-CM: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Guest: Ronald Witteles, MD Even with growing awareness of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), delays in diagnosis remain a significant challenge. That's why Dr. Ronald Witteles, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford Medicine and Co-Director of the Stanford Amyloid Center,...
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When to Suspect ATTR-CM: Clues for Earlier Diagnosis
Guest: Ronald Witteles, MD What clinical clues should raise suspicion for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)? Find out as Dr. Ronald Witteles examines the cardiac and extracardiac manifestations that can help us recognize this often-overlooked disease. He's a Professor of…
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Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Resistant Hypertension
Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Jan Basile, MD Guest: Michael J. Bloch, MD, FAHA, FASH, FNLA When blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite treatment, adding more medications may not address the underlying cause. In this expert-led discussion, Drs. Jan Basile and Michael Bloch join Dr. Steve...
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Quality of Life Conversations in ATTR-CM Care
Guest: Kevin S. Shah, MD Patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) often experience significant quality of life challenges that extend beyond cardiac symptoms, including reduced mobility, fatigue, mood changes, and loss of independence. Dr. Kevin Shah discusses practical,...
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Hypertension Across Diverse Populations: Practical Strategies for Equitable Care
Host: Alexandria May, PharmD, BCPS Guest: Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, FACC, FAHA , FASPC, FNLA, FPCNA Hypertension is a key modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, but its prevalence, progression, and outcomes vary significantly across patient populations. In this program, Dr. Alexandria May and Dr....
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Cardiometabolic Considerations in Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome
Host: Steve Jackson, PharmD Guest: Robert H. Eckel, MD, FAHA, FACC, FNLA Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder that can severely disrupt triglyceride metabolism and place patients at risk for life-threatening complications like acute pancreatitis. Tune in to hear Dr....
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Advances in Sports Cardiology: Updates from ACC 2026
Guest: Jeffrey Hsu, MD, PhD The field of sports cardiology has experienced remarkable growth, with new guidelines, expanding programs, and increasing recognition of cardiovascular risk in athletes. Hear from Dr. Jeffrey Hsu as he shares current and emerging approaches to risk assessment,...
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Supporting Patients With ATTR-CM: Preserving Function and Quality of Life
Guest: Joban Vaishnav, MD For patients newly diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), it's essential to set realistic expectations and prioritize whole-person care. Dr. Joban Vaishnav, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Comprehensive Amyloidosis Center at...
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Counseling Patients on Disease Progression in ATTR-CM
Guest: Joban Vaishnav, MD When transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) progresses, an individualized and empathetic approach to patient conversations is key. Hear from Dr. Joban Vaishnav as she shares practical strategies for addressing patient fears while clarifying what progression truly...
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AI-Driven Advances in ATTR-CM Care
Guest: Frederick Ruberg, MD Artificial intelligence has rapidly advanced disease recognition in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), and its role in guiding treatment selection, predicting progression, and refining prognosis is now being explored. Discover what's next in ATTR-CM care...
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Redefining ATTR Treatment: Key Mechanisms and Emerging Data
Guest: Ahmad Masri, MD, MS New therapeutic approaches are reshaping how we think about managing transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Gain insight into the next generation of ATTR therapies as Dr. Ahmad Masri highlights evolving strategies beyond traditional stabilizers. He's an Associate Professor…
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Advances in ATTR-CM: Evolving Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Guest: Kevin Alexander In the past decade, significant strides have been made in diagnosing and treating patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Increased disease awareness, non-invasive diagnostic tools like scintigraphy, and AI-assisted screening have led to earlier...
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Treating ATTR-CM Early: A Shift From Reactive to Strategic Care
Guest: Quan Bui, MD Quality of life in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) varies widely by disease stage, but early detection and treatment can make a profound difference. Hear from Dr. Quan Bui as he highlights how recent therapeutic advances have transformed symptom management, even in...
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Closing Gaps in ASCVD Prevention: Lipid Management Insights from AHA 2025
Host: Laurence S. Sperling, MD, FACC, FAHA, FACP, MASPC Guest: Eugenia Gianos, MD Cholesterol management is evolving, but new data presented at the 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions reveal persistent gaps in care—especially among high-risk patients with atherosclerotic...
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Rethinking Hormones: Testosterone and Estrogen in Women’s Heart Health
Guest: Susan Davis Emerging research is challenging long-held assumptions about the roles of estrogen and testosterone in women’s health—particularly in the context of aging and cardiometabolic risk. Hear from Dr. Susan Davis as she reviews the evolving evidence. Dr. Davis is an endocrinologist…
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Targeting Vascular KCNQ5 Channels: A Promising Strategy for Blood Pressure Control
A recent study explored the emerging role of KCNQ5 potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets to promote vasodilation and manage blood pressure. Hear from Dr. Geoffrey Abbott as he dives into cutting-edge research using a CRISPR-generated...
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Navigating the Vascular Risks of Cancer Therapy: Balancing Cardiac Safety and Tumor Control
Guest: Jun-ichi Abe, MD, PhD Cancer therapies can trigger both acute and chronic vascular effects, from treatment-induced hypertension to long-term atherosclerotic changes. Learn more as Dr. Jun-ichi Abe shares insights from his presentation at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific...
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Understanding Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism in Cardiovascular Health
Understanding how lipids and lipoproteins are formed, metabolized, and cleared is essential for accurate lipid interpretation and cardiovascular risk assessment. Hear from Dr. Robert Eckel as he explains these molecular mechanisms and implications for patient management. Dr. Eckel is a Professor...
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Sex-Based Differences in Lipid Management: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk
Sex-based differences in lipid metabolism can have critical impacts on cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment. Hear from Dr. Connie Newman as she explains why understanding lipid metabolism in women is essential for accurate risk stratification and optimal treatment decisions. Dr. Newman is...
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Gender Bias and Heart Health: Improving Cardiovascular Care for Women
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in women, yet it is often underrecognized due to gender bias in healthcare. Hear from Dr. Connie Newman as she explores the impact of bias on cardiovascular risk perception, highlights the importance of lipid and Lp(a) screening, and…
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Managing Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels: Targeted Nutritional Approaches
Effective lipid management depends on identifying how specific dietary factors drive LDL cholesterol and triglyceride elevations. Dr. Robert Eckel shares evidence-based strategies for tailoring nutrition recommendations in patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Dr. Eckel is…
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Managing Statin Intolerance: Practical Approaches and Emerging Non-Statin Options
Statin intolerance, though uncommon, presents a challenge for patients who experience persistent side effects despite adjustments in dosing or switching statins. Dr. Matthew Sorrentino reviews evidence-baesd alternatives, shares insights on practical use in clinical care, and highlights the…
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Improving Lipid Management Through Equity-Focused Clinical Strategies
Despite advances in lipid-lowering therapies, disparities in hyperlipidemia diagnosis and treatment persist. Dr. Keith Ferdinand examines how social drivers of health impact access, adherence, and outcomes and explains how clinicians can help address gaps in care for underserved populations. Dr....
About this show
Since cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., cardiology physicians are continuously working to better understand this common disease and to help patients improve their heart health. And here to assist cardiology physicians in this mission is Heart Matters, a series dedicated to covering essential strategies and research efforts focusing on all types of heart problems, including coronary artery diseases, heart attacks, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more.So whether you’re looking for ways to improve heart health or catch up on the latest cardiology research, you never have to worry about missing a beat thanks to Heart Matters.
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ReachMD