400. Cardio-Rheumatology: Targeting Inflammation for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Dr. Paul Ridker

In this episode, Dr. Paul Ridker, a pioneer in the field of cardiovascular inflammation, joins the CardioNerds (Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Dr. Richard Ferraro, and Dr. Nidhi Patel) to discuss the evolving landscape of inflammation as a key factor in cardiovascular risk reduction. The discussion dives into the importance of biomarkers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in guiding treatment strategies, the insights gleaned from landmark trials like the JUPITER and CANTOS studies, and the future of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies in cardiology.

Show notes were drafted by Dr. Nidhi Patel. Audio editing by CardioNerds academy intern, Grace Qiu. 

This episode was produced in collaboration with the American Society of Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) with independent medical education grant support from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024

• As heard in this episode, the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 is coming up November 16-18 in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Place Convention Center. Come a day early for Pre-Sessions Symposia, Early Career content, QCOR programming and the International Symposium on November 15. It’s a special year you won’t want to miss for the premier event for advancements in cardiovascular science and medicine as AHA celebrates its 100th birthday. Registration is now open, secure your spot here!
• When registering, use code NERDS and if you’re among the first 20 to sign up, you’ll receive a free 1-year AHA Professional Membership!

Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values.

US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscript here.

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Pearls – Targeting Inflammation for Cardiovascular Risk

1. “If you don’t measure it, you can’t treat it”: Incorporate hs-CRP into routine practice for patients at risk of cardiovascular events, as it provides crucial information for risk stratification and management.
2. Recognize the dual benefits of statins in lowering both LDL and inflammation, particularly in patients with elevated hs-CRP.
3. Encourage patients to adopt heart-healthy habits, as lifestyle changes remain foundational in reducing both cholesterol and inflammatory risk.
4. Reminder that most autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, from psoriasis to Addison’s disease to lupus to scleroderma to inflammatory bowel disease, have been shown to have elevated cardiovascular risk
5. Ongoing randomized trials including ZEUS, HERMES, and ARTEMIS will inform whether novel targeting of IL-6 can safely lower cardiovascular event rates or