Heart to Heart Nurses

Utilizing shared decision-making in the diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can support positive outcomes for patients, family members and caregivers. Guests Kim Hecker, BSN, BA, RN, and Jillian Thorne, describe the process, and the impacts across all stages of the patient journey. References and related resources:2024 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of HCMTwice the Heart Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/twicetheheartfoundation/ PCNA resources on HCM for providers and patientsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Review the latest clinical guidelines on LDL-C reduction, especially for your patients with diabetes. Guest Susan Halli Demeter, DNP, CNP, NP, also reflects on how engaging patients in shared decision-making aids in treatment adherence and identifies potential barriers to address, including polypharmacy, access, and other issues.References and Related Resources:PCNA Lipid resources for providers and patientsPCNA Diabetes resources for providers and patientsCARDS trialIMPROVE-IT trialFOURIER trialODYSSEY trialVESALIUS-CV trialSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier ASCVD risk reduction is better--particularly for patients with diabetes. Guest Lisa Maher, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, FPCNA, discusses the importance of reviewing family history, and shares strategies for decision-making in primary and secondary risk reduction strategies asuch as lowering LDL-C, blood glucose, hypertension, smoking, and other factors.Related Resources: PCNA Lipid resources for providers and patientsPCNA Diabetes resources for providers and patients2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular DiseasePREVENT Risk CalculatorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What can we be doing to reduce LDL-C to decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly in our patients with diabetes? Learn from Margo B. Minissian, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN about the role of high blood sugar in cardiovascular disease, effective strategies for lowering LDL-C, and the importance of early treatment.Related Resources:PCNA Lipid Resources for Providers and PatientsPCNA Diabetes Resources for Providers and Patients2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular DiseaseIVUS Regression Trials: REVERSAL (2004), ASTEROID (2006); SATURN (2011); GLAGOV (2016); PRECISE-IVUS(2015); JAPAN-ACS (2009)COURAGE trialVESALIUS-CV trialPleiotropic effects of statinsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic heart disease in the US. Guest James Norton, BSN, RN, shares the hallmark signs and symptoms, and describes how shared decision-making in the care of patients with HCM from diverse populations.Related resources:AHA HCM sudden cardiac death risk calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/hcm-risk-calculatorClinical Course & Management of HCM: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1710575HCM Sudden Cardiac Death Calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/hcm-risk-calculator2024 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of HCM: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001250See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest Keri Barron, PhD, RN, CNE, shares ideas for improving cardiovascular outcomes for Black women. This includes individual actions such as preparation for clinical encounters and self-advocacy, as well as larger-scale initiatives like research and community outreach.Resources & References:PCNA articles: Faith-Based Cardiovascular Health. https://pcna.net/news/faith-based-cardiovascular-health/Understanding the Essentials: Cardiovascular Nurses in Community Outreach. https://pcna.net/news/understanding-the-essentials-cardiovascular-nurses-in-community-outreach/ Cushman M, Shay CM, Howard VJ, et al. G10-Year Differences in Women's Awareness Related to Coronary Heart Disease. Circulation.2020. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000907.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patients with cardiomyopathy may benefit from virtual patient support groups. Guest Andrea Linder, RN, MSN, CCRC, FPCNA, describes a successful model, with sessions that include both information and opportunities to share their questions and experiences. Andrea also discusses recent clinical trials and the impact of mavacamten on disease management.Related PCNA Resources:Patient Education Tool on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: https://pcna.net/resource/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-what-you-need-to-know-fact-sheet/HCP tool on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: https://pcna.net/resource/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-what-healthcare-providers-need-to-know/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome leads to poor health outcomes, and is affecting individuals at younger and younger ages. The PREVENT calculator helps identify individuals earlier in the disease progression, allowing time for intervientions that may lead to a regression on the stages of CKM. Guest Chiadi Ndumele, MD, PhD. also describes shared decision-making, and value- and volume-based care models.PREVENT calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculatorPooled 10-year ASCVD Risk Calculator: https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/ 2025 Hypertension Guidelines Update: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/high-bp-top-10AHA CKM Scientific Statement: https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-health-a-presidential-advisoryPCNA CKM Resource list: https://pcna.net/resources/patient-education/patient-information/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome-resources/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Afib is on the rise with significant effects on morbidity and mortality. The stagnation of blood in the left atrium and left atrial appendage (LAA) places patients at risk for thromboembolism and stroke. By ligating or closing off the LAA, the risk can be significantly reduced. This intervention offers a valuable alternative to medication, improving safety and quality of life for patients through a minimally invasive, durable stroke prevention strategy. Learn more about the procedure and steps for referring your eligible patient. https://chads2vasccalculator.com/https://www.watchman.com/en-us-hcp/oac-alternative.html?utm_source=oth_site&utm_medium=display-direct&utm_campaign=ic-wm-us-dtr-hcp_app&utm_content=pcna_podcast_oac_alternative-n-n-n&cid=dsp10020937https://www.watchman.com/en-us-hcp/patient-selection-referrals/patient-pre-screening-tool.html?utm_source=oth_site&utm_medium=display-direct&utm_campaign=ic-wm-us-dtr-hcp_app&utm_content=pcna_podcast_patient_screener-n-n-n&cid=dsp10020938https://pcna.net/resource/afib-prepare-for-your-next-visit-discussion-guide/https://pcna.net/resource/the-beat-goes-on-living-with-atrial-fibrillation-online-interactive-patient-guide/https://pcna.net/resource/afib-and-stroke-infographic/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Afib is on the rise with significant effects on morbidity and mortality. Afib is a progressive disease with various treatment methods to match to your patients' risk factors and health goals. Stroke prevention is a crucial risk factor to evaluate on the progressive journey of a patient experiencing Afib. Learn more about the assessment and identification of patients with Afib at risk for stroke and next steps in prevention.https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193https://chads2vasccalculator.com/https://www.uptodate.com/contents/image?imageKey=HEME%2F75259https://pcna.net/resource/afib-prepare-for-your-next-visit-discussion-guide/https://pcna.net/resource/the-beat-goes-on-living-with-atrial-fibrillation-online-interactive-patient-guide/https://pcna.net/resource/afib-and-stroke-infographic/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Connection can be the key to health, and those facing disconnection are at significantly higher risk of CVD, stroke, T2D, and other health issues. Guest Lora Peppard, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, describes the importance of relationships and the 6 core beliefs that can help our patients and ourselves have improved health.Resources:Related PCNA CE course: https://pcna.net/course/the-extraordinary-impact-of-connection-on-mental-and-cardiovascular-health/Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdfhttps://www.julianneholtlunstad.com/ https://bronnieware.com/regrets-of-the-dying/ https://www.zachmercurio.com/https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3038/christina-d-bethell Family Resilience Connection Index: https://nurtureconnection.org/child-flourishing-a-critical-indicator-for-erh/ American Psychiatric Nurses Association https://www.apna.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

* Add FAAN to Anita's creds after Oct. 18.Guests: Anita Rich, DNP, RN, CHFN, CDCES, FAAN, and Jane DeMeis.Related resources:PCNA CKM tools and resources: https://pcna.net/resources/patient-education/patient-information/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome-resources/ 2025 ACC Expert Consensus Statement on Medical Weight Mgmt for Optimization of CV Health: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.05.024 Adiponectin, Leptin and CV Disorders: (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.120.314458Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adult Obesity in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2019/18_0579.htmCardiometabolic Syndrome: A Global Health Issue: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/cardiometabolic-syndrome-a-global-health-issueTaking Aim At Belly Fat: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/taking-aim-at-belly-fatGender Disparities in People Living with Obesity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34526743/ Systematic review and meta-analysis suggests obesity predicts onset of CKD: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0085253816307529AHA Weight-Loss Strategies for Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34538096/ Renal Fat Accumulation Assessed by MRI or CT and Metabolic Disorders: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12194363/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The bidiretional relationship between cardiac and renal systems means that any dysfunction can cause a cascade of health issues. Learn about team-based care strategies for nurses and other professionals to monitor and manage patients with these conditions from guests Andrew Bzowyckyj, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, FAPhA, FADCES, and Serina Gbaba, DNP, MBA, FNP-BC.PCNA CKM tools and resources: https://pcna.net/resources/patient-education/patient-information/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome-resources/ IPEC core competencies (Interprofessional Education Collaborative): https://www.ipecollaborative.org/ipec-core-competencies CVD in CKD: Pathophysiological Insights and Therapeutic Options: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.050686Social Determinants of CVD:https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.319811See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is progressive, but can be halted or even reversed with effective management. Guests Chiai Ndumele, MD, PhD, and Joe Saseen, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, describe the role of inflammation and how the biologic factors for diagnosis and treatment are nested within a patient's social context.2023 AHA Statement Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000001184 Related Resources:PCNA CKM tools and resources: https://pcna.net/resources/patient-education/patient-information/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome-resources/ AHA Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Health Presidential Advisory: https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-health-a-presidential-advisoryAHA CKM Syndrome Implementation Guide: https://www.heart.org/en/professional/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-health/implementationPCNA CKM Resource list: https://pcna.net/resources/patient-education/patient-information/cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndrome-resources/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In patients with heart failure, remote hemodynamic monitoring can identify health changes long before symptoms appear, contributing to slower disease progression, improved patient outcomes, and reduced rehospitalizations. Learn more about current and future technology that can support better patient health, and the role of nurses in patient education and monitoring. Guests: Linda Park, PhD, MS, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAHA, FPCNA, and Eryn Bryant, MSN, APRN-CNP, FPCNA.PCNA Heart Failure Tools: https://pcna.net/health-topics/heart-failure/Tele-HF study: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jchf.2015.07.017 CHAMPION Trial (CMEMs after CRT): Pulmonary Artery Pressure-Guided Management of Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/clinical-trials/2015/12/29/12/44/championJournal of American College of Cardiology paper, Remote Monitoring and Heart Failure Scientific Statement: https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.04.010 European Society of Cardiology consensus statement: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suae116BMAD trial: BMAD Trial: Wearable Remote Monitor Reduces Hospital Readmission Risk in HF Patients - American College of Cardiology: https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2023/03/01/22/45/mon-830am-bmad-acc-2023 GUIDE-HF trial (CMEMS, Lancet): Haemodynamic-guided management of heart failure (GUIDE-HF): a randomised controlled trial - The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01754-2/abstractESCAPE trial (using RHC / pulm art pressures to guide therapy during ADHF: Evaluation study of congestive heart failure and pulmonary artery catheterization effectiveness: the ESCAPE trial - PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16204662/MONITOR-HF trial (improved QOL and functional status w/ CMEMs): Remote haemodynamic monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures in patients with chronic heart failure (MONITOR-HF): a randomised clinical trial - The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00923-6/abstract MONITOR-HF: Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring in chronic heart failure: effects across clinically relevant subgroups in the MONITOR-HF trial | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic: https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/32/2954/7668040MONITOR-HF (summary in ACC): Remote Hemodynamic Monitoring of Pulmonary Artery Pressures in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure - American College of Cardiology: https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Clinical-Trials/2023/07/18/17/21/monitor-hfHeartLogic: HeartLogic Multisensor Algorithm Identifies Patients During Periods of Significantly Increased Risk of Heart Failure Events: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.117.004669SCALE-HF-1 Trial (bodyport scale to predict worsening HF trends): Use of a Cardiac Scale to Predict Heart Failure Events: Design of SCALE-HF 1 | Circulation: Heart Failure: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.122.010012See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breast artery calcification is an incident finding on routine screening mammograms, and reflects an artery change. It has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and CV events. Learn from guest Heather Johnson, MD, MS, MMM, how the finding can lead to improved risk reduction measures and improved patient outcomes. PCNA Heart Healthy Toolbox: https://pcna.net/resource/reducing-cv-risk-heart-healthy-toolbox/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Dr. Salim Virani as he explores global trends in cardiovascular disease, including shifting risk factors, emerging therapies, and prevention strategies. From disparities in care to the promise of primordial and even pre-primordial prevention, this conversation highlights what nurses and other healthcare professionals can do to improve heart health worldwide.Cleveland Clinic study on risk factors: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35504796/ More information and resources can be found here: https://gcnlf.pcna.net/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Global issues that impact cardiovascular health include access to, and continuity of, care for migrant workers, as well as rising temperatures in both rural and urban environments. Nurse Practitioner and researcher Daniel Smith, PhD, AGPCNP-BC, CNE, FAAN, shares strategies to help improve cardiovascular disease prevention and management to help every patient everywhere have improved outcomes.Related resources:Global Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Forum: gcnlf.netCE course: https://pcna.net/course/rural-and-environment-health-a-cross-roads/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Identifying and managing PAD requires a head-to-toe strategy. Guest Tiffany Staab, RN, FNP, MSN, describes the four PAD stages, how the disease disproportionately affects Black patients, and the importance of listening to patient symptoms and observing lower limbs to help stem the tide of PAD-related amputations.PCNA PAD resources: https://pcna.net/health-topics/pad/AHA PAD heat map: https://professional.heart.org/en/education/pad-for-professionals/pad-collaborative/heat-mapSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The dynamics of AFib and Heart Failure often lead to patients navigating both diseases simultaneously. Learn how to apply effective strategies for management, including team-based care, shared decision-making, addressing adherance barriers, and more, in this conversation with Kathy Wood, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, and Eryn Bryant, MSN, APRN-CNP, FPCNA.PCNA Resources:Atrial Fibrillation:https://pcna.net/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/ Heart Failure: https://pcna.net/health-topics/heart-failure/EAST-AF NET-4 Trial: acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Clinical-Trials/2020/08/28/16/16/EAST-AFNET-4AFFIRM Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12466506/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.