Heart Matters

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 anticoagulation reversal decisions across a range of urgent and complex surgical scenarios. Dr. Kumar is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

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 Association Multisociety guideline on dyslipidemia management can help inform clinical decision-making. Together, Dr. Turck and Dr. Freeman follow a hypothetical patient over the course of their treatment journey, discussing how clinicians can effectively identify patients with sHTG at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and acute pancreatitis, and how management priorities may evolve over time. Dr. Freeman is a board-certified cardiologist and Director of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, and Clinical Cardiology and Operations at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.

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 individualized care in this population. Dr. Isaacs is the Immediate Past President of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine.

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 find out as Dr. Sunil Rao, Chair of the Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines, discusses the recommendations poised to have the greatest clinical impact and practical considerations for implementing them across the continuum of ACS care. Dr. Rao is a Professor of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the Director of Interventional Cardiology at NYU Langone Health.

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 and Vascular Research and the Infiltrative and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Center at Inova Health in Virginia.

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 in caring for these patients. He's the Director of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Research and the Infiltrative and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Center at Inova Health in Virginia.

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 Vascular Research and the Infiltrative and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Center at Inova Health in Virginia, shares practical advice about navigating the nuances of this rare disease.

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 Center at Inova Health in Virginia, explores emerging innovations that could open the door to earlier intervention, combination therapy, and even one-time treatment strategies.

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 appropriate care setting and treatment for patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Review key updates as Dr. Mary Leuchars sits down with Dr. Mark Creager, chair of the guideline writing committee. He's also a Professor of Medicine and Professor of Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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 select nonstatin therapies based on the degree of LDL lowering needed, patient preferences, and the treatment most likely to help patients achieve their LDL goals. Dr. Navar is an Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and she served on the Guideline Writing Committee.

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 personalize cardiovascular risk reduction and improve long-term prevention. Dr. Blumenthal is the Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology and Director of the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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.

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 the trial's efficacy, safety, and durability. She also explores key considerations for integrating this therapy into clinical practice.

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, individualized preventive care. Dr. Blumenthal is the Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology and Director of the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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 level of hypertriglyceridemia where the clinical implications change, and where a more careful evaluation for underlying causes and risk becomes important.4 That’s why Dr. Charles Turck sits down with Dr. Erin Michos to discuss what sHTG is, why it’s so important to identify, and how we can effectively manage this condition to improve patients’ overall health and reduce complication risk. Dr. Erin Michos is a Professor of Medicine, Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health, and Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. References: Saadatagah S, Larouche M, Naderian M, et al. Recognition and management of persistent chylomicronemia: a joint expert clinical consensus by the National Lipid Association and the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2025;22:100978. doi:10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.100978 Sanchez RJ, Ge W, Wei W, Ponda MP, Rosenson RS. The association of triglyceride levels with the incidence of initial and recurrent acute pancreatitis. Lipids Health Dis. 2021;20(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12944-021-01488-8 Sikora Kessler A, Baum SJ, Kutrieb E, et al. Rates …

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 (ASCVD) risk assessment and treatment decisions. Dr. Roger Blumenthal, Chair of the Guideline Writing Committee, joins us to explain how clinicians can combine PREVENT risk estimates with risk-enhancing factors, coronary artery calcium scoring, and shared decision-making to improve cardiovascular prevention strategies. Dr. Blumenthal is also the Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology and Director of the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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 testing aimed at identifying patients earlier. He's the Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Thomas J. Ryan Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine.

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, Dr. Shelina Ramnarine and Dr. Payal Kohli examine key considerations in managing hypertension in women and explore practical strategies to improve risk assessment and patient education. Dr. Kohli is an Associate Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University and Duke University, as well as the Founder and Medical Director of Cherry Creek Heart in Aurora, Colorado. This episode is sponsored by Mineralys Therapeutics Inc. Medical Affairs.

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 earlier to meaningfully impact long-term outcomes. He's the Director of the Heart Failure Clinic, the Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic, and the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

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, joins us to share practical strategies for recognizing ATTR-CM, implementing the appropriate diagnostic pathway, and overcoming common testing pitfalls.

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 Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford Medicine and the Co-Director of the Stanford Amyloid Center and Multidisciplinary Sarcoidosis Program.

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 Jackson to examine often-overlooked drivers of hypertension, including aldosterone excess, volume overload, medication adherence, and blood pressure measurement challenges. Learn how a deeper understanding of these drivers can help us distinguish resistant hypertension from pseudo-resistance and individualize treatment decisions for our patients. Dr. Basile is a Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Bloch is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and the Medical Director of Vascular Medicine and Anticoagulation Services at the Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health in Reno. This episode is sponsored by Mineralys Therapeutics Inc. Medical Affairs.

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, patient-centered strategies to identify functional limitations, support emotional well-being, engage caregivers, and align treatment goals with what matters most to these patients. Dr. Shah is an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, as well as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine.

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. Keith Ferdinand discuss how social drivers of health, geography, access to care, and comorbid conditions can influence risk and outcomes. Tune in to find out how we can better address variation in hypertension across patient groups. Dr. Ferdinand is the Gerald S. Berenson Chair in Preventive Cardiology and the Director of Preventive Cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. This episode is sponsored by Mineralys Therapeutics Inc. Medical Affairs.

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. Robert Eckel in conversation with Dr. Steve Jackson as they break down the key cardiometabolic risks of FCS and how emerging therapies are changing the outlook for patients living with this complex disease. Dr. Eckel is a Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, with appointments in endocrinology, metabolism and diabetes, and cardiology.

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, prevention, and management of cardiac conditions in this population. Dr. Hsu is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and he spoke about this topic at the 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions.

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 Johns Hopkins Medicine, shares insights on guiding these patients through this diagnosis.

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 means. Dr. Vaishnav is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Comprehensive Amyloidosis Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

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 with Dr. Frederick Ruberg, Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Thomas J. Ryan Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

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 of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University.

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 detection and improved outcomes. Learn more with Dr. Kevin Alexander, an Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

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 advanced cases. Dr. Bui is a cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego Health.

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 cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this expert discussion, Dr. Laurence Sperling and Dr. Eugenia Gianos explore real-world treatment shortfalls, key findings from clinical trial, and the expanding treatment landscape. Dr. Sperling is the Katz Professor in Preventive Cardiology and Founder of the Center for Heart Disease Prevention at the Emory University School of Medicine as well as the Chief Medical Officer of the Family Heart Foundation. Dr. Gianos is the System Director of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Northwell 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 as well as the head of the Women’s Health Research Program and a Professor of Women's Health at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

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 KCNQ5 knockout rat model, revealing critical insights into adrenergic signaling, vascular reactivity, and the vascular effects of aloperine. Dr. Abbott is a Professor and Interim Chair of Physiology and Biophysics at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, and he also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

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 Sessions. Dr. Abe is a Professor in the Department of Cardiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

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 Emeritus of Medicine with a primary appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes with a joint appointment in Cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, where he was previously the Charles A. Boettcher II Chair in Atherosclerosis. He's also the former President of the American Heart Association, Obesity Society, and American Diabetes Association.

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 an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

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 reviews evidence-based statin therapy strategies to improve outcomes for women. Dr. Newman is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

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 a Professor Emeritus of Medicine with a primary appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes with a joint appointment in Cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, where he was previously the Charles A. Boettcher II Chair in Atherosclerosis. He's also the former President of the American Heart Association, Obesity Society, and American Diabetes Association.

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 latest advances in lipoprotein (a)–targeted therapies now in late-stage development. Dr. Sorrentino is a Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Operations in the Section of Cardiology at University of Chicago Medicine.

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. Ferdinand is a Professor of Medicine as well as the Gerald S. Berenson Chair in Preventative Cardiology and Director of Preventative Cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Effective management of hyperlipidemia requires tailoring treatment to a patient’s cardiovascular risk profile. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of care, while high-risk patients often require pharmacotherapy. Dr. Keith Ferdinand shares evidence-based strategies for reducing LDL and addressing comorbidities while engaging patients in shared decision making. Dr. Ferdinand is a Professor of Medicine as well as the Gerald S. Berenson Chair in Preventative Cardiology and Director of Preventative Cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Host: Mary Katherine Cheeley, PharmD, BCPS, CLS, FNLA Guest: Wilson Tang, MD Many different artificial sweeteners are being consumed by patients; however, this discussion will focus on research around one that has been used in the food industry for a long time, called erythritol. Interestingly, it was found that patients with cardiac problems had the highest levels of erythritol levels in their blood, which prompted further studies on this association. So to learn more about the impact of artificial sweeteners on heart disease and how we can guide patients into consuming less, join Dr. Mary Katherine Cheeley as she speaks with Dr. Wilson Tang, Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and Co-Author of the article, titled “The Artificial Sweetener Erythritol and Cardiovascular Event Risk,” published in Nature Medicine in February 2023.

Host: Javed Butler, MD Guest: Jeffrey Wilson, MD There’s a decent amount of evidence showing allergic immune responses could have connections with heart disease. But with the knowledge gaps that exist, a need for bigger cohorts is necessary to get more information and data. So to explore the link between allergic reactions from food and heart disease, Dr. Javed Butler is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, Allergist and Immunologist in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology at the University of Virginia.

Host: Javed Butler, MD Guest: Michael J. LaMonte, PhD, MPH The American Heart Association recommends physical activity to help lower the risk of heart failure, but how much exercise is needed, especially for older women, to lower that risk? According to a recent study, even just low-intensity exercise for 30 minutes is associated with a 25 percent lower risk of overall heart failure. Dive further into the findings with Dr. Javed Butler and Dr. Michael LaMonte, a Research Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University of Buffalo.

Host: Javed Butler, MD Guest: Chiadi Ndumele, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S. For the first time, the American Heart Association (AHA) has identified cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which reflects a strong overlap between heart disease, kidney disease, and obesity. The major clinical consequence of CKM syndrome is multi-organ dysfunction with a particularly high incidence and burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the result of this is premature morbidity and mortality. So as a result, recognizing CKM syndrome is the first step in earlier diagnosis and treatment. Dive into this episode with Dr. Javed Butler who’s joined by Dr. Chiadi Ndumele, Associate Professor of Medicine and the Director of Obesity and Cardiometabolic Research at Johns Hopkins University.

Host: Mary Katherine Cheeley, PharmD, BCPS, CLS, FNLA Guest: Dave L. Dixon, PharmD, FACC,  FCCP, FNLA, BCPS, BCACP, CDE, CLS What would the cost-effectiveness look like if the uptake of a pharmacist-prescribing model for hypertension were to be put into practice? A new study shows that a pharmacist-prescribing method could have significant economic impact on the U.S. healthcare system. Dive in with Dr. Mary Katherine Cheeley as she speaks with Dr. Dave Dixon, Nancy L. and Ronald H. McFarlane Professor of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, to discuss the findings from the study, titled “Cost-Effectiveness of Pharmacist Prescribing for Managing Hypertension in the United States,” which was published in JAMA Network.

Host: Mary Katherine Cheeley, PharmD, BCPS, CLS, FNLA Guest: Javed Butler, MD There’s no approved therapies specifically targeting obesity and HFpEF, but based on the STEP-HFpEF study that was presented at the 2023 ESC Congress, the treatment option semaglutide improves heart failure-related symptoms, physical function, and weight loss among patients with HFpEF and obesity. Here to walk through the study’s key findings with Dr. Mary Katherine Cheeley is fellow ReachMD host, Dr. Javed Butler, President of Baylor Scott and White Research Institute in Dallas, Texas.

Host: Mary Katherine Cheeley, PharmD, BCPS, CLS, FNLA Guest: Steve Grinspoon, MD The risk of cardiovascular disease is twice as great among patients living with HIV, and this could partly be due to traditional risk factors, along with nontraditional risk factors. Here to discuss the results from the REPRIEVE study with Dr. Mary Katherine Cheeley is Dr. Steve Grinspoon, Co-Principal Investigator and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.