Hemodynamic Assessment for Diagnosis and Treatment Selection in HFpEF
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
Release Date: 07/01/2025
Hemodynamic Assessment for Diagnosis and Treatment Selection in HFpEF
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
Heart failure arises when the heart is unable to pump or fill with blood effectively. In the cardiac catheterization lab, we have the unique ability to directly measure the physiological abnormalities underlying this condition, making it the gold standard for diagnosing heart failure. While not every patient requires heart catheterization, it is often essential for those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This is because noninvasive tests, which are commonly used, frequently fall short—providing false reassurance and leading to missed diagnoses. As a result, HFpEF...
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Primary Results From the SOUL Randomized Trial
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
The SOUL trial demonstrated that in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or both, treatment with oral semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to placebo—without an increase in serious adverse events. These findings position oral semaglutide as a compelling option with cardiovascular benefits consistent with those seen in injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists. In this episode, Drs. Deepak L. Bhatt and Darren K. McGuire explore how...
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Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin For Long-term Maintenance Monotherapy In Patients With High Ischemic Risk After PCI
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
The SMART-CHOICE 3 trial demonstrated that clopidogrel monotherapy is more effective than aspirin monotherapy in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in high-risk patients who completed standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Despite concerns that more potent antiplatelet agents may increase bleeding risk, the study found that clopidogrel significantly reduced ischemic events—including myocardial infarction and all-cause death—without increasing bleeding risk, making it a highly favorable option for...
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Dapagliflozin in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
The DapaTAVI trial, conducted across 39 centers in Spain, is the first study to evaluate the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, specifically dapagliflozin, in patients with heart failure undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The trial found that patients who received dapagliflozin (10 mg daily) within 14 days of hospital discharge after TAVI experienced a 28% relative risk reduction in the composite outcome of all-cause mortality or worsening heart failure at one year, compared to those receiving standard care In this...
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PRAGUE-25 Trial: Catheter Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs With Risk Factor Modification for Treatment of AF
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
The PRAGUE-25 study evaluated the effectiveness of two treatment strategies in patients with both atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity: catheter ablation versus lifestyle modification (including weight loss and increased physical activity) combined with antiarrhythmic drug therapy. While motivated patients who adhered to lifestyle changes experienced a reduction in AF episodes, the study found that catheter ablation was significantly more effective in achieving and maintaining sinus rhythm. In this episode, Drs. Joseph Marine and Pavel Osmancik discuss the trial’s...
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Lifetime Benefit by Control of Modifiable Risk Factors
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
A Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium study of nearly 2 million people worldwide found that avoiding five modifiable risk factors—hypertension, hyperlipidemia, abnormal weight, diabetes, and smoking—by age 50 added over a decade of life expectancy for both sexes. Midlife control of systolic blood pressure and smoking yielded the greatest global gains. In this interview, Drs. Roger S. Blumenthal and Christina Magnussen discuss how this landmark study moves beyond a predominantly North American and European focus, translating abstract risk factors into tangible years of healthy...
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ZENITH Phase 3 Trial: Sotatercept in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension With High Mortality Risk
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
The ZENITH trial evaluated sotatercept, an activin signaling inhibitor, in patients with advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at high risk of death. Sotatercept met its primary endpoint—time to first morbidity or mortality event—prompting an independent data monitoring committee to recommend early trial termination and offer the drug to all participants. In this interview, Drs. Allen J. Taylor and Marc Humbert discuss how ZENITH highlights sotatercept’s clinical benefit even in the sickest PAH patients, offering renewed hope for a disease long seen as...
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Cardiac Arrest During Long-Distance Running Races: 2010-2023
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
The “Cardiac Arrest During Long-Distance Running Races: 2010–2023” study analyzed the incidence and outcomes of sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs) occurring during marathons and half-marathons in the United States. Known as the RACER2 study, it serves as a follow-up to the original RACER1 study, which covered the years 2000–2009. In this episode, Drs. Jonathan H. Kim and Aaron L. Baggish discussed the study findings, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness to further reduce the risk of fatal outcomes during endurance events. ...
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WARRIOR Trial: Outcomes to Reduce Events in Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
Funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) of the Department of Defense, the WARRIOR (Women's IschemiA TRial to Reduce events In non-ObstRuctive CAD) Trial addresses the urgent need for evidence-based care in a growing population of patients—particularly women—experiencing ischemia without obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA). This clinical strategy trial compares optimal medical therapy with usual care in women with angina but no significant coronary blockages. In this episode, Drs. Nanette Kass Wenger and Noel Bairey Merz discuss...
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STRIDE Trial: Effects of Semaglutide in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research
Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often experience significant walking difficulties, and there are limited therapies available to improve their mobility. Investigation made through the STRIDE (Effects of Semaglutide on Functional Capacity in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease) trial focused on semaglutide, a drug known for promoting weight loss, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke, to determine if it could enhance the functional abilities of PAD patients. In this interview, Drs. Alison Bailey and Marc...
info_outlineHeart failure arises when the heart is unable to pump or fill with blood effectively. In the cardiac catheterization lab, we have the unique ability to directly measure the physiological abnormalities underlying this condition, making it the gold standard for diagnosing heart failure. While not every patient requires heart catheterization, it is often essential for those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This is because noninvasive tests, which are commonly used, frequently fall short—providing false reassurance and leading to missed diagnoses. As a result, HFpEF remains underrecognized. And ultimately, a condition that goes unrecognized cannot be properly treated.
In this interview, Drs. Matthew Martinez and Barry Borlaug discuss “Hemodynamic Assessment for Diagnosis and Treatment Selection in HFpEF.”
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