ACC CardiaCast

In this episode, host Dr. Saraschandra Vallabhajosyula is joined by colleagues Drs. Uzoma Ibebuogu, Michael Young, and Dean Boudoulas for a dynamic discussion on the frontline management of pulmonary embolism (PE). Together, they explore evaluation and risk stratification, the role of imaging, catheter-based and surgical treatment strategies, and the importance of systems of care, long-term outcomes, and follow-up. Designed as a conversation among peers, this episode brings practical insights and diverse perspectives on how clinicians can optimize PE care in real-world practice.   Related References    Patel S, Thulasidasan N, Thomson B, et al. Interventional therapies in acute pulmonary embolus-current trends and future directions. Br J Radiol. 2023;96(1149):20221151. doi:10.1259/bjr.20221151  O'Sullivan G, Müller-Hülsbeck S, Haage P, et al. The Central Role of the Interventional Radiologist in Advanced Therapies for Pulmonary Embolism: Results from An Online Member Survey by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2025;48(6):851-856.  McKeown LA. Women, Black Patients Less Likely to Get Advanced PE Therapy, Analysis Shows. 2024. Available at https://www.tctmd.com/news/women-black-patients-less-likely-get-advanced-pe-therapy-analysis-shows. Accessed 10/4/25.  Keeling B, Lookstein RA, Secemsky EA, West FM. Ask The Experts: What Does PE Intervention Look Like in 2034? 2024. Available at https://evtoday.com/articles/2024-july/ask-the-experts-what-does-pe-intervention-look-like-in-2034. Accessed 10/4/25.   Subscribe to CardiaCast |  

In this episode, Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, MACC, and Leslie L. Davis, NP, PhD, FACC, discuss the 2023 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Management of Patients with HFpEF, and where to consider newer treatments with guideline-directed medical therapy.   This podcast is part of the larger Managing HF Across the Spectrum: From Recognizing Symptoms to Implementing Appropriate Treatment grant initiative, supported by Bayer AG. To visit the Managing HF Across the Spectrum page and access additional educational activities on this topic, click here.    Subscribe to CardiaCast 

In this episode, Barbara Srichai-Parsia, MD, FACC, Ron Blankstein, MD, FACC and Roosha Parikh, MD, FACC, will focus on the value of fractional flow reserve – computed tomography (FFR-CT) and emerging technologies in streamlining clinical workflow and improving diagnosis. Learners will hear tips on when FFR-CT is most useful, its limitations in specific patient populations, and how artificial intelligence (AI) advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) could shape care for patients and clinicians. Practical, evidence-based insights for anyone using cardiac imaging.   This podcast is part of the larger Modern CCTA Practice: Core Competencies and Advanced Technologies grant initiative, supported by Heartflow. To visit the Modern CCTA Practice webpage and access additional educational activities on this topic, click here.   Subscribe to CardiaCast |  

PulseCheck is a special series within CardiaCast, created specifically for Cardiovascular (CV) Team members. It offers practical, team-based solutions to everyday challenges faced in the field. In this edition, the CV Team Section collaborates with the Cardio-Obstetrics Section to present a five-part series centered on cardio-obstetrics. In this episode, Andrea Price, MS, AACC hosts Natasha Wolfe, MD and Shantelle Bartra APRN, AACC to focus on pregnancy with congenital heart disease.      Subscribe to CardiaCast |  

In this episode, Michelle M. Kittleson, MD, PhD, FACC, and Estefania Oliveros Soles, MD, MSc, FACC, discuss the biggest challenges in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), focusing on hyperkalemia (uncommon) and hypokalemia (associated with higher mortality).   This podcast is part of the larger Managing HF Across the Spectrum: From Recognizing Symptoms to Implementing Appropriate Treatment grant initiative, supported by Bayer AG. To visit the Managing HF Across the Spectrum page and access additional educational activities on this topic, click here.   Subscribe to CardiaCast 

“Courtside with the Chair” is a series within CardiaCast presented by the Sports and Exercise Cardiology Member Section covering topics within the field of sports and exercise cardiology. This episode is Part 2 of CV Care of the Masters Athlete where Dr. Jonathan Kim continues the discussion with Drs. Eugene H. Chung, Ankit B. Shah, and Jeffrey J. Hsu on the cardiovascular (CV) care of the masters athlete.   Subscribe to CardiaCast | 

PulseCheck is a special series within CardiaCast, created specifically for Cardiovascular (CV) Team members. It offers practical, team-based solutions to everyday challenges faced in the field. In this edition, the CV Team Section collaborates with the Cardio-Obstetrics Section to present a five-part series centered on cardio-obstetrics. In this episode, Andrea Price, MS, AACC hosts Andrea M. Russo, MD, FACC and Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RN to introduce the field of cardio-obstetrics and its importance to listeners.        Subscribe to CardiaCast |  

In this episode, Vanessa Blumer, MD, FACC, and Ersilia M. DeFilippis, MD, FACC, discuss the 2024 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for Treatment of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). Learners will hear guidance on how to implement a structured multidisciplinary HF approach that improves clinical and patient-centered outcomes.  This podcast is part of the larger Managing HF Across the Spectrum: From Recognizing Symptoms to Implementing Appropriate Treatment grant initiative, supported by Bayer AG. To visit the Managing HF Across the Spectrum page and access additional educational activities on this topic, click here.    Subscribe to CardiaCast 

In this episode, Michelle M. Kittleson, MD, PhD, FACC, and Estefania Oliveros Soles, MD, MSc, FACC discuss challenges in heart failure (HF) care, focusing on utilization of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). Learners will hear tips on how to add and maximize GDMT in patients with HF.   This podcast is part of the larger Managing HF Across the Spectrum: From Recognizing Symptoms to Implementing Appropriate Treatment grant initiative, supported by Bayer AG. To visit the Managing HF Across the Spectrum page and access additional educational activities on this topic, click here.   Subscribe to CardiaCast 

Innovation in Action is a podcast series hosted by the ACC Innovation Program aimed to explore innovations shaping care delivery.     In this episode with Drs. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez and Paul Friedman, ACC Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Ami Bhatt explores the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in cardiovascular care, highlighting why screening tools such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) are particularly well-suited for innovation. The discussion also covers strategies for evaluating AI solutions and best practices for integrating them into clinical workflows.       This podcast is supported by Anumana.   

“Courtside with the Chair” is a series within CardiaCast presented by the Sports and Exercise Cardiology Member Section covering topics within the field of sports and exercise cardiology. In this episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Kim is joined by Drs. Eugene H. Chung, Ankit B. Shah, and Jeffrey J. Hsu to discuss the cardiovascular care of the masters athlete.   Subscribe to CardiaCast | 

Innovation in Action is a podcast series hosted by the ACC Innovation Program aimed to explore innovations shaping care delivery.    In this episode, ACC Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Ami Bhatt is joined by ACC Vice President Drs. Roxana Mehran and Carolyn Lam to discuss thrombotic conditions and the importance of addressing gaps in treatment. The conversation also highlights current treatments and recent research exploring novel treatments.      This podcast is supported by Johnson & Johnson.   Subscribe to CardiaCast | Claim CME Credit 

Straight from ACC.25, this episode dives into the latest science shaping the care of patients in shock. Join Drs. Shashank Sinha, Ann Gage, Anthony Carnicelli, and David Berg—leading voices in critical care cardiology—as they break down the Altshock-2 study, explore updates from the 2025 ACS Guidelines, and highlight key takeaways from the newly released 2025 ACC Shock Guidance. Whether you're managing patients in the cardiac intensive care unit or leading your heart team through complex cases, this high-yield discussion offers sharp insights, clinical pearls, and evidence you can apply today.  Subscribe to CardiaCast | Claim CME Credit 

In this inaugural episode of the new podcast series produced by ACC’s Interventional Member Section, Dr. Poonam Velagapudi is joined by featured guests Drs. Debabrata Dash and Thomas Cuisset to discuss the Highlights from EuroPCR 2025.    Explore key insights from the 4D-ACS trial, followed by a discussion on its practical impact in clinical settings. The discussants examine the FAITAVI trial, highlighting major findings and their influence on procedural decision-making. A recent meta-analysis is also reviewed, with commentary on how the collective evidence may shape real-world interventional strategies. Tune in for a dynamic exchange on cutting-edge trials and their implications for the cath lab.   Related References:      The FAITAVI trial: angiography versus physiology-guided PCI in patients undergoing TAVI – 12-month follow-up data (PCR Online). 2025. Available at: https://www.pcronline.com/News/PCR-Press-Releases/2025/EuroPCR-2025-The-FAITAVI-trial-angiography-versus-physiology-guided-PCI-in-patients-undergoing-TAVI-12-month-follow-up-data. Accessed 6/24/25.  Ribichini F, Pesarini G, Fabris T, et al. A randomised multicentre study of angiography- versus physiologyguided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing TAVI: design and rationale of the FAITAVI trial. EuroIntervention. 2024 Apr 15;20(8):e504-e510. doi: 10.4244/EIJ-D-23-00679.   Jang Y, Park SD, Lee JP, et al. One-month dual antiplatelet therapy followed by prasugrel monotherapy at a reduced dose: the 4D-ACS randomised trial. EuroIntervention. 2025 May 21:EIJ-D-25-00331. doi: 10.4244/EIJ-D-25-00331.     Subscribe to CardiaCast | Claim CME Credit 

In this episode of CardiaCast, Drs. Erin Michos and Joseph Saseen discuss the underuse of lipid-lowering therapies in patients with cardiovascular risk, despite strong evidence and updated guidelines. They highlight the role of bempedoic acid as a non-statin option, especially for statin-intolerant patients. The conversation emphasizes team-based care, shared decision-making, and strategies to navigate insurance barriers to improve LDL-C management.   This podcast is part of Bempedoic Acid: New Evidence Transforming the LDL-C Treatment Landscape grant initiative.   Educational grant support is provided by Esperion.    Related References  Nelson A, Haynes K, Shambhu S, et al. High-intensity statin use among patients with atherosclerosis in the U.S. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79(18):1802–1813. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.02.048  Cannon CP, de Lemos JA, Rosenson RS, et al. Use of lipid-lowering therapies over 2 years in GOULD, a registry of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the US. JAMA Cardiol. 2021;6(9):1060–1068. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2021.1810  Worledge EA, Billups SJ, Titus OJ, Saseen JJ. Achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol thresholds in very high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. J Clin Lipidol. Published online April 11, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2025.04.186   Subscribe to CardiaCast  

In this episode Drs. Poonam Velagapudi, Saraschandra Vallabhajosyula, and James Hermiller explore the critical topic of occupational safety in the cath lab. While healthcare providers focus on treating patients, their work environment can put their own health at risk—particularly long-term impact of wearing heavy lead protection. Drawing from discussions at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2025 Think Tank Sessions, the episode highlights data on lead-free and reduced-lead solutions aimed at preventing back pain and injury among cardiac catheterization operators. Tune in for a timely conversation on protecting the well-being of the heart team.  Related References  Strepkos D, Rempakos A, Alexandrou M, et al. How to Improve Radiation Protection in Interventional Cardiology Procedures. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2025;18(4):e014808. doi:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.124.014808  Women in Innovations (WIN) Radiation Safety (SCAI website). 2025. Available at: https://scai.org/membership/career-development/women-innovations-win/win-radiation-safety . Accessed 06/17/25.  SCAI Highlights Cath Lab Radiation and Orthopaedic Hazards (Cardiovascular News website). Available at: https://cardiovascularnews.com/scai-highlights-cath-lab-radiation-and-orthopaedic-hazards/. Accessed 06/17/25.  Occupational Health Hazards in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (SCAI website). 2025. Available at: https://scai.org/occupational-health-hazards-cardiac-catheterization-laboratory . Accessed 06/17/25.   Subscribe to CardiaCast | Claim CME Credit 

In this episode, Drs. Jenna Skowronski, Francesco Castagna and Saraschandra Vallabhajosyula unpack how assumptions drawn from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) data may be leading us astray in broader shock management—and what that means for patient outcomes, clinical decision-making, and future research. Why do we keep applying STEMI solutions to non-STEMI problems? Are we oversimplifying cardiogenic shock? And what does the real-world data actually tell us?    Join us for a candid, fast-paced conversation that challenges dogma, calls for nuance, and might just change the way you approach shock.   Related References:    Møller JE, Engstrøm T, Jensen LO, et al. Microaxial Flow Pump or Standard Care in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(15):1382-1393. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2312572.  Kochar A, Vallabhajosyula S, John K, et al. Factors associated with acute limb ischemia in cardiogenic shock and downstream clinical outcomes: Insights from the Cardiogenic Shock Working Group. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2024;43(11):1846-1856. doi:10.1016/j.healun.2024.06.012.   Subscribe to CardiaCast | Claim CME Credit 

n this episode, Drs. Brittany Weber and Michael Garshick discuss “Pharmacologic Interventions to Lower hs-CRP.” This podcast is part of the Inflammation in Cardiovascular Health: Raising Awareness of the Increasing Role of hs-CRP grant initiative.    Educational support for this initiative is provided by Novo Nordisk.    Click here to learn more.   Related References:   Nidorf SM, Fiolet ATL, Mosterd A, et al; LoDoCo2 Trial Investigators. Colchicine in Patients with Chronic Coronary Disease. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(19):1838-1847.  Ridker PM. From CANTOS to CIRT to COLCOT to Clinic: Will All Atherosclerosis Patients Soon Be Treated With Combination Lipid-Lowering and Inflammation-Inhibiting Agents? Circulation. 2020;141(10):787-789.  Ridker PM. From RESCUE to ZEUS: Will interleukin-6 inhibition with ziltivekimab prove effective for cardiovascular event reduction? Cardiovasc Res. 2021;117(11):e138-e140.  Ridker PM, Bhatt DL, Pradhan AD, et al; PROMINENT, REDUCE-IT, and STRENGTH Investigators. Inflammation and cholesterol as predictors of cardiovascular events among patients receiving statin therapy: a collaborative analysis of three randomised trials. Lancet. 2023;401(10384):1293-1301.  Ridker PM, Moorthy MV, Cook NR, et al. Inflammation, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), and 30-Year Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(22):2087-2097.  Tardif JC, Kouz S, Waters DD, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Colchicine after Myocardial Infarction. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(26):2497-2505.   Subscribe to CardiaCast  

In this episode, Drs. Purvi Parwani and Sharonne Hayes discuss “Cardiovascular Health Throughout a Woman's Lifecycle.” This podcast is part of the Monitoring Blood Pressure Throughout a Woman’s Lifecycle grant initiative.  Educational support for this initiative is provided by Omron.  To visit the course page for the Monitoring Blood Pressure Throughout a Woman’s Lifecycle grant, click here.   Suggested Materials  El Khoudary SR, Aggarwal B, Beckie TM, et al; American Heart Association Prevention Science Committee of the Council on Epidemiology and Prevention; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020;142(25):e506-e532.  Lau ES, Michos ED. Blood Pressure Trajectories Through the Menopause Transition: Different Paths, Same Journey. Circ Res. 2022;130(3):323-325.  Samargandy S, Matthews KA, Brooks MM, et al. Trajectories of Blood Pressure in Midlife Women: Does Menopause Matter? Circ Res. 2022;130(3):312-322.  Shimbo D, Artinian NT, Basile JN, et al; American Heart Association and the American Medical Association. Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home: A Joint Policy Statement From the American Heart Association and American Medical Association. Circulation. 2020;142(4):e42-e63.  Wenger NK, Arnold A, Bairey Merz CN, et al. Hypertension Across a Woman’s Life Cycle. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Apr 24;71(16):1797-1813.  Wenger NK, Ferdinand KC, Bairey Merz CN, et al. Women, hypertension, and the systolic blood pressure intervention trial. Am J Med. 2016;129:1030-36.   Subscribe to CardiaCast  

“Heart Vision” is a CardiaCast podcast series stemming from the ACC Cardiovascular Imaging Section Leadership Council. This podcast series will tackle topics on emerging multimodality imaging data, trends, practice patterns, disease status and advocacy effort. In this episode of Heart Vision, Dr. Purvi Parwani sits down with Dr. Ana Barac, a global leader in cardio-oncology and advanced cardiovascular imaging. Together, they explore the evolving role of imaging in cancer care, the challenges of clinical integration, and how imagers can carve out a meaningful presence in this rapidly growing field. This conversation offers both practical insights and visionary thinking for anyone at the intersection of heart and cancer care.