Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast

CardioNerds
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Welcome to CardioNerds, where we bring you in-depth discussions with leading experts, case reports, and updates on the latest advancements in the world of cardiology. Tune in to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and become a true CardioNerd!

  1. 2d ago

    452. Risk stratification in Acute Pulmonary Embolism with Dr. Stavros Konstantinides

    CardioNerds (Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax, Dr. Dinu Balanescu, and Dr. Jane Ehret) discuss risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism with Dr. Stavros Konstantinides, Chair of the 2019 ESC Pulmonary Embolism Guidelines. Using a real-world case, this episode explores how modern PE care has moved beyond “massive” and “submassive” labels toward a dynamic, physiology-based approach. The discussion highlights the limitations of static risk scores, the importance of right ventricular dysfunction and biomarkers, and why normotension does not imply stability. Special emphasis is placed on intermediate-high risk PE, early identification of impending hemodynamic collapse, and the role of lactate, serial reassessment, and PERT teams in guiding escalation of care. Audio editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi. The 2026 American multi-society PE guidelines were published after this episode was recorded. Dr. Dinu Balanescu and Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax are Co-chairs for the CardioNerds PE Series, developed in collaboration with the PERT Consortium.   Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls Stable blood pressure does not mean low risk in PE Hypotension is a late finding. Patients may have severe RV failure, hypoxia, and tissue hypoperfusion while remaining normotensive — a key concept behind “normotensive shock.” Risk stratification in PE must be dynamic, not static Legacy scores like PESI and Bova provide a snapshot and predict 30-day mortality, but they do not capture short-term trajectory or impending hemodynamic collapse. Intermediate-high risk PE is a dangerous and heterogeneous group Patients with RV dysfunction, positive biomarkers, tachycardia, hypoxemia, and elevated lactate may have in-hospital mortality approaching 15%, rivaling STEMI. Lactate is a critical but underutilized marker in PE Elevated lactate reflects tissue hypoxia and early circulatory failure and may identify patients at risk for collapse before blood pressure declines. PERT enables physiology-driven, patient-centered PE care PERT teams operationalize continuous reassessment, integrate imaging, labs, and clinical trajectory, and allow timely escalation — shifting PE management from rigid categories to real-time decision-making. Notes Drafted by Dr. Jane Ehret. 1. What is the contemporary framework for risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism? Modern PE risk stratification prioritizes hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) function rather than clot burden. The 2019 ESC Guidelines classify PE into high risk, intermediate risk (low vs high), and low risk, based on: Hemodynamic status, RV dysfunction on imaging, and Cardiac biomarkers. This framework emphasizes early mortality risk but requires clinical context to guide escalation decisions. 2. Why is normotension insufficient to define “stability” in PE? Blood pressure is a late marker of circulatory failure in PE. Patients can maintain normal BP through Tachycardia, Increased sympathetic tone, and RV compensation. Many patients with preserved BP may already have shock physiology, including hypoxemia, elevated lactate, and RV failure — sometimes referred to as “normotensive shock.” 3. How should intermediate-risk PE be conceptualized clinically? Intermediate-risk PE is heterogeneous, ranging from patients who do well on anticoagulation to those who deteriorate rapidly. Intermediate-high risk PE is defined by RV dysfunction on imaging and positive cardiac biomarkers. Clinical features such as tachycardia, increasing oxygen requirement, and elevated lactate identify patients at highest risk within this group. 4. What are the strengths and limitations of commonly used PE risk scores? Legacy scores are useful for initial risk categorization but are static and limited in predicting short-term deterioration. Most scores were developed to predict mortality or complications at fixed time points rather than dynamic clinical trajectory. 5. What are the commonly used risk scores and clinical tools in PE, and what is each designed to predict? ESC Risk Stratification Algorithm: Identifies high-risk PE by hemodynamics. Uses PESI or sPESI in normotensive patients to distinguish low-risk from non–low-risk PE. Uses RV dysfunction and biomarkers to differentiate intermediate-low from intermediate-high risk. Forms the basis of many institutional PE pathways. PESI and sPESI: Validated to predict 30-day mortality. Widely used to identify low-risk patients appropriate for outpatient management. Heavily influenced by age and comorbidities. Bova Score: Predicts 30-day PE-related complications in normotensive patients. Composite PE Shock Score (CPES): Predicts normotensive shock in hemodynamically stable PE patients. Pulmonary Embolism Progression (PEP) Score: Predicts progression from intermediate-risk to high-risk PE within 72 hours of diagnosis. PE Short-term Clinical Outcomes Risk Estimation (PE-SCORE): Predicts clinical deterioration or death within 5 days of PE diagnosis. Hestia Criteria: Identifies low-risk PE patients safe for outpatient treatment. Wells’ Criteria and Revised Geneva Score: Determine pretest probability for diagnostic triage. PERC Score: Rules out PE in very low-risk patients. 6. What is the role of biomarkers in PE risk stratification? Troponin and natriuretic peptides reflect RV myocardial injury and strain. Current guidelines treat biomarkers as binary (positive vs negative), despite risk being continuous. Biomarkers are most helpful for: Initial risk classification. They are less useful for: Short-interval monitoring and Detecting rapid clinical deterioration. 7. Why is lactate an important physiologic marker in PE? Lactate reflects global tissue hypoxia and impaired perfusion. Elevated lactate may identify patients with: Early circulatory failure and Increased risk of imminent hemodynamic collapse. Lactate is not currently included in ESC risk algorithms but may add important prognostic information in intermediate-risk patients. 8. How does trajectory influence decision-making in PE management? Risk stratification should be viewed as a dynamic process, not a one-time label. Worsening clinical trajectory may include: Rising heart rate, Increasing oxygen needs, Rising lactate, and Progressive RV dysfunction. Serial reassessment is essential for timely escalation of care. 9. What role do Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) play in risk stratification? PERT facilitates: Multidisciplinary decision-making and Integration of imaging, biomarkers, and clinical physiology. PERT is most valuable for: Intermediate-risk and high-risk PE and Patients with complex comorbidities or uncertain trajectory. PERT enables a shift from category-based to physiology-driven PE care. References 1. Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Respir J. 2019;54(3):1901647. Published 2019 Oct 9. doi:10.1183/13993003.01647-2019 2. Leidi A, Bex S, Righini M, Berner A, Grosgurin O, Marti C. Risk Stratification in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Current Evidence and Perspectives. J Clin Med. 2022;11(9):2533. Published 2022 Apr 30. doi:10.3390/jcm11092533 3. Choi WH, Kwon SU, Jwa YJ, et al. The pulmonary embolism severity index in predicting the prognosis of patients with pulmonary embolism. Korean J Intern Med. 2009;24(2):123-127. doi:10.3904/kjim.2009.24.2.123 4. Jiménez D, Aujesky D, Moores L, et al. Simplification of the pulmonary embolism severity index for prognostication in patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(15):1383-1389. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.199 5. Chen X, Shao X, Zhang Y, et al. Assessment of the Bova score for risk stratification of acute normotensive pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Thromb Res. 2020;193:99-106. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2020.05.047 6. Zhang RS, Yuriditsky E, Zhang P, et al. Composite Pulmonary Embolism Shock Score and Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Embolism. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2024;17(8):e014088. doi:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.124.014088 7. Zhang RS, Alam U, Sharp ASP, et al. Validating the Composite Pulmonary Embolism Shock Score for Predicting Normotensive Shock in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2024;17(2):e013399. doi:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.123.013399 8. Ehret J, Wakefield D, Badlam J, Antkowiak M, Erdreich B. Development of the Pulmonary Embolism Progression (PEP) score for predicting short-term clinical deterioration in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: a single-center retrospective study. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2025;58(2):243-253. doi:10.1007/s11239-024-03051-5 9. Weekes AJ, Raper JD, Lupez K, et al. Development and validation of a prognostic tool: Pulmonary embolism short-term clinical outcomes risk estimation (PE-SCORE). PLoS One. 2021;16(11):e0260036. Published 2021 Nov 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0260036 10. Zondag W, Hiddinga BI, Crobach MJ, et al. Hestia criteria can discriminate high- from low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism. Eur Respir J. 2013;41(3):588-592. doi:10.1183/09031936.00030412 11. Wells PS, Anderson DR, Rodger M, et al. Excluding pulmonary embolism at the bedside without diagnostic imaging: management of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism presenting to the emergency department by using a simp

    26 min

  2. May 27

    451: CCTA, CT-FFR, and AI Plaque Analysis to Personalize CAD Detection, Prevention, and Management with Dr. Michael Gallagher

    CardioNerds Dr. Joseph Kassab, Dr. Mariana Garcia-Arango, and Dr. Christopher Mason explore the technological revolution of Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) with expert faculty Dr. Michael Gallagher. The discussion details how CCTA has evolved into a frontline diagnostic and preventive tool, moving beyond simple anatomy to incorporate physiology via CT-FFR and biology through AI-driven plaque quantification. The episode reviews landmark evidence like the SCOT-HEART and PROMISE trials, the nuances of CAD-RADS 2.0 reporting, and the emerging role of AI in monitoring treatment response and personalizing cardiovascular care. Critically, they also discuss some of the assumptions and limitations of these techniques. Stay tuned for a matching review article to be submitted to US Cardiology Review, the official Journal of CardioNerds. This episode was supported by an independent medical education grant from HeartFlow. All CardioNerds education is planned, produced, and reviewed solely by CardioNerds.  Enjoy this Circulation Paths to Discovery article to learn more about the CardioNerds mission and journey. US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscripts here. CardioNerds Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll Pearls Shift in Paradigm: CCTA is no longer just an anatomic test; with some key limitations, it can provide anatomy, physiology (CT-FFR), and plaque biology (AI-CPA) in a single non-invasive scan. The “Power of Zero” vs. Plaque: While a normal CCTA has a >95% negative predictive value, future MIs often arise from non-obstructive plaque that traditional stress tests might miss. CAD-RADS 2.0 Utility: The addition of plaque burden modifiers (P1–P4) is a “game changer,” allowing clinicians to identify high-risk patients who need aggressive lipid-lowering despite having only mild stenosis. CT-FFR as a Virtual Stress Test: CT-FFR uses computational fluid dynamics to simulate blood flow, potentially reducing unnecessary invasive catheterizations by approximately 61% without sacrificing safety. Seeing the Invisible: AI-based quantitative plaque analysis (QCPA) can identify “subvisual” plaque and low-attenuation (lipid-rich) components that are the primary drivers of acute coronary syndromes. Show Notes How has the role of CCTA changed compared to traditional functional testing? Historically, stress testing answered “is there ischemia today?”, which often reflects late-stage disease. CCTA identifies disease across the entire spectrum, asking “is there atherosclerosis and how much plaque is present?”. Landmark evidence: SCOT-HEART showed a 41% relative risk reduction in MI at 5 years attributed to intensified preventive therapies, and PROMISE showed CCTA was better at selecting patients who truly needed invasive angiography. Diagnostic CCTA imaging depends on the protocol, contrast timing, heart rate, heart rhythm, breathholding, scanner quality, and several patient factors (obesity, prior stents, heavy calcification, complex bypass anatomy, and motion artifact all may limit imaging). “CCTA is exceptional for the right patient, with the right scanner, and the right team.” What are the key modifiers introduced in CAD-RADS 2.0, and why do they matter? CAD-RADS 2.0 moved beyond stenosis severity to include plaque burden (P0 to P4), high-risk plaque (HRP) features, and the presence of ischemia based on CT-FFR. It serves as a clinical decision support tool: a patient with mild (25-49%) stenosis but “extensive” (P4) plaque burden is considered high risk and warrants aggressive risk factor modification. How is CT-FFR calculated, and when is it most useful in clinical practice? CT-FFR uses resting CCTA data and computational fluid dynamics to create a 3D model of coronary flow during simulated maximal hyperemia. It is often used for intermediate lesions (40–90% stenosis) to predict if they are  ischemia-producing, guiding the decision whether to proceed with invasive angiography.  The assumptions necessary for this computational modeling may not apply well to patients with microvascular dysfunction, significant myocardial scar or prior infarction, or ventricular hypertrophy. Still, data indicate that CT-FFR performs similarly to PET in predicting hemodynamically significant lesions.  CT-FFR performs well at the extremes (either clearly normal or clearly abnormal). Accuracy dips, however, in the intermediate range (~0.75-0.80), where decision-making is most critical. In this grey zone, additional factors can help guide the approach, including the amount of myocardium supplied, translesional gradient, and plaque features.   CT-FFR has not been validated in distal segments, stented segments, heavily calcified coronary arteries, or in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Caution with CT-FFR should be utilized in very calcified coronary segments.  What is AI-based quantitative plaque analysis (QCPA), and what metrics are ready for clinical use? This is potentially a paradigm shift, moving away from stenosis-centric thinking to a more disease burden and plaque biology focus. QCPA uses deep learning algorithms to automatically segment the vessel wall and quantify plaque volume in mm³. Ready for “prime time” metrics include: Total Plaque Volume (TPV), non-calcified plaque volume, and Low-Attenuation Plaque (LAP) burden. Can serial CCTA be used to monitor the effectiveness of medical therapies like statins? While not yet a routine guideline-driven practice, trials like PARADIGM and EVAPORATE show that therapies can stabilize plaque; notably, CCTA is better for monitoring than CAC scores, which can be misleading as statins often increase plaque calcification as part of the stabilization process. There are no randomized trials that serial CCTAs improve outcomes. Cost and radiation exposure will be notable limitations. Serial scan timing, scan acquisition and interpretation standardization would be key. Dr. Gallagher notes that we are moving toward a world in which plaque burden may become a “treatment biomarker,” similar to tumor burden in oncology.  References 1. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography From Clinical Uses to Emerging Technologies: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. Abdelrahman KM, Chen MY, Dey AK, et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2020;76(10):1226-1243. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2020.06.076. 2. Non-Invasive Imaging in Coronary Syndromes: Recommendations of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the American Society of Echocardiography, in Collaboration With the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. Edvardsen T, Asch FM, Davidson B, et al. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography. 2022;35(4):329-354. doi:10.1016/j.echo.2021.12.012. 3. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Gulati M, Levy PD, Mukherjee D, et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2021;78(22):e187-e285. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.07.053. 4. Contemporary, Non-Invasive Imaging Diagnosis of Chronic Coronary Artery Disease. van der Bijl P, Gulati M, Saraste A, et al. Lancet (London, England). 2025;406(10519):2577-2587. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01586-7. 5. State of the Art: Evaluation and Medical Management of Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Chest Pain: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Slipczuk L, Blankstein R, Bucciarelli-Ducci C, et al. Circulation. 2025;152(23):e443-e466. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001394. 6. Diagnostic Performance of Fractional Flow Reserve Derived From Coronary CT Angiography: The ACCURATE-CT Study. Li C, Hu Y, Jiang J, et al. JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions. 2024;17(17):1980-1992. doi:10.1016/j.jcin.2024.06.027. 7. Clinical Outcomes Based on Coronary Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve and Plaque Characterization. Sato Y, Motoyama S, Miyajima K, et al. JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging. 2024;17(3):284-297. doi:10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.07.013. 8. Clinical Use of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve: Expert Consensus by an International Working Group. Tang CX, Leipsic JA, Nørgaard BL, et al. European Radiology. 2026;:10.1007/s00330-025-12313-6. doi:10.1007/s00330-025-12313-6. 9. Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography–derived fractional flow reserve: a systematic review. Cook CM, Petraco R, Shun-Shin MJ, et al. JAMA Cardiol. 2017;2(7):803-810. Doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2017.1314 10. Diagnostic performance of noninvasive fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography in suspected coronary artery disease: the NXT trial (Analysis of Coronary Blood Flow Using CT Angiography: Next Steps). Nørgaard BL, Leipsic J, Gaur S, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(12):1145-1155. Doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2013.11.043 11. Comparison of coronary computed tomography angiography, fractional flow reserve, and perfusion imaging for ischemia diagnosis. Driessen RS, Danad I, Stuijfzand WJ, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;73(2):161-173. Doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.056. 12. 1-year outcomes of FFRCT-guided care in patients with suspected coronary disease: the PLATFORM study. Douglas PS, De Bruyne B, Pontone G, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;68(5):435-445. Doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2016.05.057. 13. Comparison of an initial risk-based testing strategy vs usual testing in stable symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease: the PRECISE randomized clinical trial. Douglas PS, Nanna MG, Kelsey MD, et al; PRECISE Investigators. JAMA Car

    46 min

  3. May 25

    450. Journal Club: The I-CLASS Registry with Dr. Theofanie Mela and Dr. Pugazhendhi Vijayraman

    Join CardioNerds EP Council Chair Dr. Naima Maqsood and Episode Lead Dr. Sukriti Banthiya as they discuss the results of the International Collaborative LBBAP Study (I-CLAS) with expert faculty Dr. Theofanie Mela and Dr. Pugazhendhi Vijayraman. Audio editing by CardioNerds academy intern, Grace Qiu. The International Collaborative LBBAP Study (I-CLAS) evaluated clinical outcomes between biventricular pacing (BVP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤50% undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy. Between January 2018 and June 2023, 2,579 patients were enrolled across 18 centers. The primary composite outcome was defined as all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. LBBAP demonstrated a shorter paced QRS duration and was associated with a lower risk of primary composite outcome and heart failure hospitalization. No significant difference was observed in all-cause mortality. Additionally, procedural complications were lower with LBBAP. This episode was planned in collaboration with  Heart Rhythm TV with mentorship from Dr. Daniel Alyesh and Dr. Mehak Dhande.  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. CardioNerds Journal Club Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron!

    20 min

  4. May 21

    449. Atrial Fibrillation: Challenging Scenarios in Atrial Fibrillation Management with Dr. Bradley Knight

    In this episode, CardioNerds Dr. Colin Blumenthal, Dr. Kelly Arps, and Dr. Yong Hao Yeo are joined by electrophysiology expert Dr. Bradley Knight to discuss atrial fibrillation (AF) management in challenging clinical scenarios. We explore arrhythmias in patients with pre-excitation syndromes, particularly Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, and strategies for rhythm control. We also discuss AF management in pregnancy, adult congenital heart disease, and patients with tachycardia-bradycardia (tach-brady) syndrome. This episode provides essential insights into nuanced decision-making for the care of patients with complex arrhythmia profiles. Audio editing by CardioNerds academy intern, Grace Qiu. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Atrial Fibrillation Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron! PEARLS AF in WPW is a true emergency—AV nodal blocking agents can be deadly. In patients with WPW syndrome, AF can rapidly conduct through the accessory pathway, risking ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. Avoid AV nodal blockers like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Catheter ablation is the first-line rhythm control strategy in WPW. Catheter ablation carries a Class I recommendation and offers >90% success. If antiarrhythmic drugs are needed, sodium channel blockers like flecainide or propafenone are preferred in patients without structural heart disease. In pregnancy, protecting the mother is protecting the fetus. An unstable mother means an unstable fetus. Rate control is the first step in AF with rapid ventricular responses and electrical cardioversion is safe when needed. Multidisciplinary care is essential. AF in congenital heart disease is often outside the pulmonary veins. Surgical scars and chamber remodeling in ACHD patients often lead to AF from non-pulmonary vein foci. Electrogram-based mapping and targeted ablation strategies are essential to increase success rate of durable rhythm control. Tachy-brady syndrome may require pacing to unlock therapy. AF may cause atrial myopathy and sinus node dysfunction. These patients often require permanent pacing to allow safe use of rate-controlling medications like beta-blockers and to prevent syncope or chronotropic incompetence. Notes: Notes drafted by Dr. Yong Hao Yeo Why is atrial tachycardia in patients with WPW syndrome dangerous? Patients with WPW commonly present with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to atrioventricular reentrant circuits, either orthodromic or antidromic. This SVT can degenerate into AF. In the absence of AV nodal as the governor between the atrium and ventricles, the accessory pathway may conduct impulses rapidly and frequently. This can lead to dangerously high ventricular rates, predisposing patients to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest. What are some strategies for rhythm control in patients with WPW and atrial tachycardia? Catheter ablation is the first-line therapy (Class I recommendation), with a success rate of over 90%. Ablation reduces the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, though some patients may remain prone to AF. If ablation is not feasible/ contraindicated, sodium channel blockers such as flecainide and propafenone are good options in patients without ischemia or structural heart disease (Class IIa recommendation). Amiodarone should be avoided because it has a long half-life, can accumulate in the system, and may delay definitive treatment with catheter ablation. AV nodal blocking agents like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers should be avoided, as they are less effective at controlling ventricular rate in WPW and can increase conduction over the accessory pathway. These agents can also exacerbate the risk of rapid ventricular rates during AF and worsen left ventricular function. What are some special considerations in managing AF in pregnant patients? The primary goal in managing cardiovascular disease during pregnancy is to protect the mother, as fetal outcomes depend on maternal well-being. Therefore, while caution is necessary, we should avoid undertreating pregnant patients with AF. In cases of AF with rapid ventricular response (RVR), rate control is usually the first-line strategy, with beta blockers preferred over digoxin or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. It is then reasonable to initially observe for spontaneous conversion in stable patients. Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are generally avoided during the first trimester, but clinical judgment on a case-by-case basis is essential. Evidence for the safety of AADs in pregnancy is limited, often derived from their use in other conditions such as fetal SVT. Flecainide and sotalol are reasonable options for rhythm control (Class IIa recommendation). Electrical cardioversion is considered safe in pregnancy and should be utilized when indicated (Do not forget!). There is no pregnancy-specific thromboembolic risk stratification tool. CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring and the presence of risk factors like mitral stenosis can help guide anticoagulation decisions, though the magnitude of thromboembolic risk during pregnancy remains unclear. Rate control agents are typically continued during delivery due to the increased physiologic stress of labor and delivery. Multidisciplinary care is crucial and should involve obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, cardiology, and electrophysiology specialists. What are some key considerations for AF management in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)? Patients with repaired congenital heart disease are at increased risk for arrhythmias due to two main factors: surgical scars that create arrhythmogenic foci and mechanical remodeling of the atria or ventricles resulting from the underlying disease. In these patients with structural heart disease, sodium channel blockers may not be ideal antiarrhythmic options. When selecting an antiarrhythmic drug, clinicians must consider the nature of structural or surgical impairments, such as right bundle branch block or prolonged QT interval. It is also essential to assess renal and hepatic function (often impaired in patients with ACHD) to ensure appropriate metabolism and clearance of antiarrhythmic medications. Electrogram-based ablation strategies (those leveraging artificial intelligence are developing!) may help identify effective ablation targets, which are often outside the pulmonary veins in patients with ACHD. These individualized approaches can improve ablation success rates in this complex patient population. What makes tachycardia-bradycardia (tach-brady) syndrome a unique challenge in arrhythmia management? Patients who present with both AF and bradycardia, especially with syncope, require a thoughtful diagnostic approach to identify the underlying rhythm disturbance. Extended cardiac monitoring, including event monitors or implantable loop recorders, can help capture intermittent arrhythmias and correlate them with symptoms. AF may lead to atrial myopathy, and since the sinus node resides within the atrium, this can result in sinus node dysfunction—a hallmark of tachy-brady syndrome. Following spontaneous conversion from AF to sinus rhythm, sinus node dysfunction may persist, leading to prolonged pauses or chronotropic incompetence. Management becomes more complex when beta-blockers are needed for AF with RVR, as they can exacerbate bradycardia. Permanent pacemaker implantation is often the next step to consider. Permanent pacemaker implantation is often considered to facilitate safe rate control in these cases. In younger patients, aggressive AF burden reduction may prevent atrial remodeling and the development of true atrial myopathy, potentially avoiding pacemaker implantation. References Joglar JA, Chung MK, Armbruster AL, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2023;149(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193 ‌ Van IC, Rienstra M, Bunting KV, et al. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). European Heart Journal. 2024;45(36). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae176 ‌ Joglar JA, Kapa S, Saarel EV, et al. 2023 HRS expert consensus statement on the management of arrhythmias during pregnancy. Heart Rhythm. Published online May 1, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.05.017 ‌ Stout KK, Daniels CJ, Aboulhosn JA, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: Executive Summary. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2019;73(12):1494-1563. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.08.1028 ‌

    38 min

  5. Apr 30

    448. The Braunwald Chronicles: The Complete Series — A CardioNerds Tribute to Dr. Eugene Braunwald

    CardioNerds (Amit Goyal, Daniel Ambinder, Carine Hamo, and Karan Desai) are honored to bring you The Braunwald Chronicles — a special tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Eugene Braunwald. Originally released as a 6-part series, we are now bringing these chapters together as one complete experience. These are stories of discovery, innovation, accidents, perseverance, and more… truly, these are the stories of cardiology itself — told firsthand by the father of modern cardiology. Dr. Braunwald’s life and work form the very foundation of contemporary cardiovascular medicine, and his story is, in many ways, the story of our field. Join us as we journey through the history of cardiology across six extraordinary chapters — from the early days of physiologic discovery, to the development of transseptal access, to defining the natural history of valvular disease, to shaping modern therapies for myocardial infarction, and beyond. Through it all, Dr. Braunwald reflects on the principles that guided his career — curiosity, perseverance, mentorship, and the importance of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.We hope this collection serves not only as an educational experience, but as a tribute to one of the greatest minds in the history of medicine. We thank Dr. Karan Desai, Editorial APD with the CardioNerds Academy and fellow at the University of Maryland, for all the work he put into designing The Braunwald Chronicles. Audio editing by Pace Wetstein. CardioNerds Braunwald Chronicles Series Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron!

    42 min

  6. Apr 24

    447. Pulmonary Embolism: Approach to Systemic Thrombolysis in Acute Pulmonary Embolism with Dr. Allison Burnett

    CardioNerds Drs. Dinu Balanescu, Billy-Joe Mullinax, and Mariana Garcia discuss systemic thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism with expert Dr. Allison Burnett. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, student doctor, Pace Wetstein. Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the US, and high-risk PE carries a 30-day mortality risk as high as 30-50%. In this episode, we discuss the indications for systemic thrombolysis, including high-risk PE and cardiac arrest. We addressed how to appropriately select candidates for systemic thrombolysis, balancing the high risk of bleeding. Additionally, we discussed anticoagulation management and timing concurrent with lytic therapy, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary PERT teams.  The 2026 American multi-society PE guidelines were published after this episode was recorded. Dr. Dinu Balanescu and Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax are Co-chairs for the CardioNerds PE Series, developed in collaboration with the PERT Consortium.   Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls Risk stratification is crucial in acute pulmonary embolism care. Based on the ESC 2019 guidelines, low-risk PE patients are those who are normotensive with no evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. Intermediate risk includes two categories: intermediate-low, with normotensive patients who have a high PE score with negative biomarkers, and intermediate-high risk, which has elevated biomarkers or signs of RV strain. High-risk PE includes hemodynamically unstable patients (SBP90) who have end-organ dysfunction, shock, or cardiac arrest. The 2026 American multi-society PE guidelines presented a new clinical classification scheme is presented, entitled “Acute Pulmonary Embolism Clinical Categories,” with 5 categories (A-E) and subcategories, ranging from low to high risk for adverse outcomes. Systemic lysis has been studied in patients at high and intermediate risk. Overall, the reduction in mortality has been seen in patients with high-risk PE.  Systemic thrombolysis is associated with high rates of bleeding, 2% fatal or high-risk intracranial hemorrhage per the PEITHO trial; therefore, selecting the appropriate population is critical to improve outcomes and balance the risks and benefits.  Multidisciplinary PERT teams are crucial for making high-quality decisions, and stewardship is necessary to optimize the care of patients with PE.  Notes Notes: Notes drafted by Dr. Mariana Garcia-Arango What is the role of systemic thrombolysis in the current era of available catheter-directed therapies? Thrombolytic therapy reduces mortality, PE recurrence, and PE-related mortality in patients with acute PE.  The evidence supports use during high-risk PE and cardiac arrest.  The clinical presentation is often severe, with high stakes and limited time to mobilize to the cath lab on time for catheter therapies, especially in rural populations.  How to approach the use of systemic thrombolysis during CPR? Cardiac arrest from PE carries a very poor outlook, with survival rates under 10%. Rapid, targeted interventions to restore circulation are critical. Systemic thrombolysis may be considered for patients in cardiac arrest due to confirmed or strongly suspected pulmonary embolism, especially when standard ACLS interventions have not been successful.  What is the best anticoagulation approach while using lytics?  Most of the time, we should opt for low-molecular-weight heparin over unfractionated heparin, which has been shown to lead to less major bleeding and reduction of recurrent PE.  Exceptions to the rule include renal dysfunction or if there is consideration of cannulation for ECMO or other invasive procedures.  There is variation in practice regarding timing and initiation of anticoagulation while using lytics. There are different protocols given the variety of how studies were conducted. If they are going to get mechanical catheter-based therapy, the trend is to prefer LMWH. When lytics are included, either systemic or catheter-directed lytics, there is flexibility and room to discuss with the multidisciplinary PERT team which strategy to use. Future studies and trials are needed to standardize the best therapies.  What are the pharmacologic properties of available thrombolytics? Thrombolytics catalyze the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, leading to fibrin degradation and thrombus dissolution. Alteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, administered intravenously at a dose of IV 100 mg infusion over 2 hours. In cardiac arrest, the initial: 50 mg bolus over 2 minutes and continue CPR; after 15 minutes, if return of spontaneous circulation is not achieved and the medical team decides to continue CPR, repeat 50 mg bolus. Tenecteplase is a modified variant of alteplase with increased fibrin specificity. The usual dose is weight-based and delivered via IV bolus, which facilitates rapid delivery in emergency settings. Dose per weight: ≥60 to 70 kg: 35 mg, ≥70 to 80 kg: 40 mg, ≥80 to 90 kg: 45 mg, ≥90 kg: 50 mg Are there any ongoing clinical trials and emerging therapies investigating novel thrombolytics and strategies to optimize efficacy while minimizing bleeding risk? PEITHO-3 is a large, randomized, double-blind, multinational study comparing reduced-dose intravenous alteplase with standard heparin in patients with intermediate-high-risk PE.  References Sedhom R, Megaly M, Elbadawi A, et al. Contemporary national trends and outcomes of pulmonary embolism in the United States. Am J Cardiol. 2022;176:132-138. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.03.060 Marti C, John G, Konstantinides S, Combescure C, Sanchez O, Lankeit M, Meyer G, Perrier A. Systemic thrombolytic therapy for acute pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J. 2015 Mar 7;36(10):605-14. Epub 2014 Jun 10. Zuo Z, Yue J, Dong BR, Wu T, Liu GJ, Hao Q. Thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;CD004437. Feltes J, Popova M, Hussein Y, Pierce A, Yamane D. Thrombolytics in cardiac arrest from pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Intensive Care Med. 2023;39(5):477-483. Javaudin F, Lascarrou JB, Le Bastard Q, Bourry Q, Latour C, De Carvalho H, Le Conte P, Escutnaire J, Hubert H, Montassier E, Leclère B; Research Group of the French National Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry (GR-RéAC). Thrombolysis during resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism increases 30-day survival: findings from the French National Cardiac Arrest Registry. Chest. 2019 Dec;156(6):1167-1175. Epub 2019 Aug 2. Bonnard T, Tennant Z, Niego B, Kanojia R, Alt K, Jagdale S, Law LS, Rigby S, Medcalf RL, Peter K, Hagemeyer CE. Novel thrombolytic drug based on thrombin cleavable microplasminogen coupled to a single-chain antibody specific for activated GPIIb/IIIa. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017 Feb 3;6(2):e004535. Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ, Nelson ME, Wells PS, Gould MK, Dentali F, Crowther M, Kahn SR. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012 Feb;141(2 Suppl):e419S-e496S. Erratum in: Chest. 2012 Dec;142(6):1698-1704. Levine M, Hirsh J, Weitz J, Cruickshank M, Neemeh J, Turpie AG, Gent M. A randomized trial of a single bolus dosage regimen of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Chest. 1990 Dec;98(6):1473-1479. Rivera-Lebron B, Weinberg AS. Acute pulmonary embolism in adults: Reperfusion therapy in intermediate- and high-risk patients. In: Connor RF, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. Accessed August 28, 2025.

    43 min

  7. Apr 16

    446. The SGLT2i Effect – Protection Against Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction with Dr. Manu Mysore

    CardioNerds (Drs. Natalie Marrero, Shivani Reddy, and Rebecca S. Steinberg), discuss the role of SGLT2i in cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) with Dr. Manu Murali Mysore. This episode was produced as part of the CardioNerds Academy curriculum by House Taussig under the guidance of House Chief, Dr. Natalie Marrero, and Academy Program Director, Dr. Gurleen Kaur. A matching review article will be published in US Cardiology Review, the official journal of CardioNerds. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes. Summary: Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) spans a spectrum from subclinical biomarker elevation to overt heart failure, with risk amplified by preexisting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and exposure to therapies, such as anthracyclines, HER2-targeted therapies, or radiation. This episode explores the emerging and promising role of SGLT2 inhibitors as a cardioprotective adjunct in cardio-oncology — examining mechanisms, clinical evidence, ongoing trials, and critical knowledge gaps — while affirming that guideline-directed medical therapy remains the cornerstone of prevention and treatment. 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. CardioNerds Cardio-Oncology Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls CTRCD is a spectrum — catch it early. CTRCD ranges from subclinical injury detected by imaging and biomarkers to overt heart failure. Early identification in high-risk patients (preexisting CVD, diabetes, HTN, obesity, anthracycline/HER2/radiation exposure) is essential, and early initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy — including ACE inhibitors/ARBs/ARNIs, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and beta-blockers — remains the backbone of prevention and treatment to preserve LVEF and allow safe continuation of cancer therapy. SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising new pillar of cardioprotection in cardio-oncology. They act through a unique combination of mechanisms: renal effects, metabolic reprogramming of the myocardium, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, and vascular fibrosis modulation — making them a compelling complement to standard therapies rather than a replacement. Early clinical data is encouraging but not yet definitive. The 2024 EMPACARD-PILOT trial demonstrated preserved LVEF and reduced CTRCD in higher-risk patients with diabetes or kidney disease. Ongoing trials — EMPACT and PROTECT — are actively exploring SGLT2 inhibitors for primary prevention during anthracycline and HER2-targeted therapy. SGLT2 inhibitors are NOT yet indicated for ICI-related myocarditis. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related myocarditis is mechanistically immune-driven. While SGLT2 inhibitors have theoretically anti-inflammatory benefits, there is currently no clinical evidence to support their use in this specific setting. The use of SGLT2 inhibitors should be guided by patient risk, existing indications, and ongoing research. Large prospective trials, clarity on timing and patient selection, long-term safety data, and deeper mechanistic understanding in humans remain the most urgent gaps in the field before broader adoption can be recommended. References Theofilis P, Vlachakis PK, Oikonomou E, et al. Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction: A review of current trends in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Biomedicines. 2024;12(12):2914. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12122914. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39767820/ Lyon AR, Dent S, Stanway S, et al. Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment in cancer patients scheduled to receive cardiotoxic cancer therapies: a position statement and new risk assessment tools from the Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the International Cardio-Oncology Society. Eur J Heart Fail. 2020;22(11):1945-1960. doi:10.1002/ejhf.1920. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8019326/ Li X, Li Y, Zhang T, et al. Role of cardioprotective agents on chemotherapy-induced heart failure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2020;151(104577):104577. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104577. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31790821/ Lee YH, Lim S, Davies MJ. Cardiometabolic and renal benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2025;21(12):783-798. doi:10.1038/s41574-025-01170-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40935880/ Dabour MS, George MY, Daniel MR, Blaes AH, Zordoky BN. The cardioprotective and anticancer effects of SGLT2 inhibitors: JACC: CardioOncology state-of-the-art review. JACC CardioOncol. 2024;6(2):159-182. doi:10.1016/j.jaccao.2024.01.007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38774006/ Armillotta M, Angeli F, Paolisso P, et al. Cardiovascular therapeutic targets of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors beyond heart failure. Pharmacol Ther. 2025;270(108861):108861. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2025.10886. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40245989/ Góes-Santos BR, Castro PC, Girardi ACC, Antunes-Correa LM, Davel AP. Vascular effects of SGLT2 inhibitors: evidence and mechanisms. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2025;329(4):C1150-C1160. doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00569.2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40908107/ Daniele AJ, Gregorietti V, Costa D, López-Fernández T. Use of EMPAgliflozin in the prevention of CARDiotoxicity: the EMPACARD – PILOT trial. CardioOncology. 2024;10(1):58. doi:10.1186/s40959-024-00260-y. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39237985/ Clinicaltrials.gov. Clinicaltrials.gov. Accessed April 16, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05271162 Greco A, Quagliariello V, Rizzo G, et al. SGLT2i Dapagliflozin in primary prevention of chemotherapy induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients treated with neo-adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy +/- trastuzumab: rationale and design of the multicenter PROTECT trial. CardioOncology. 2025;11(1):79. doi:10.1186/s40959-025-00368-9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12400668/ Key Guideline Reference: Lyon AR, López-Fernández T, Couch LS, et al. 2022 ESC guidelines on cardio-oncology developed in collaboration with the European hematology association (EHA), the European society for therapeutic radiology and oncology (ESTRO) and the international cardio-oncology society (IC-OS). Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2022;23(10):e333-e465. doi:10.1093/ehjci/jeac106. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017575/ Be sure to check out the corresponding review article on the cardioprotective role of SGLT2 inhibitors in CTRCD that will be published in US Cardiology Review, the official journal of CardioNerds. Additionally, please reference CardioNerds Cardio-Oncology Episodes 261 and 274 for related content.

    33 min

  8. Apr 10

    445. Heart Failure: The Essential Role of Palliative Care in Advanced Therapies with Dr. Sarah Chuzi

    Dr. Jenna Skowronski, Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Alix Barnes discuss the involvement of palliative care throughout the heart failure spectrum with Dr. Sarah Chuzi. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes. In this episode, we discuss utilizing palliative care principles while caring for patients with heart failure, particularly those being considered for advanced therapies. We emphasize utilization of communication frameworks when discussing prognosis and making decisions on pursuing therapies such as palliative inotropes, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), and heart transplant. Additionally, we discuss when to involve specialty palliative care services. Finally, we highlight the difference between palliative care and hospice and how to help patients navigate the transition from life-prolonging care to hospice. Dr. Jenna Skowronski is the Chair for the CardioNerds Heart Failure Council. Dr. Jenna Skowronski and Dr. Shazli Khan are the Co-chairs for the CardioNerds Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Series. Dr. Alix Barnes is the CardioNerds FIT Ambassador at UPMC and member of the CardioNerds Critical Care Cardiology Council. Enjoy this Circulation Paths to Discovery article to learn more about the CardioNerds mission and journey. US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscripts here. CardioNerds Heart Success Series Page CardioNerds Episode Page CardioNerds Academy Cardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal Club Subscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter! Check out CardioNerds SWAG! Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls Primary palliative care is care provided by a clinician that is not a palliative care specialist, such as a heart failure clinician having a conversation with a patient about their goals and values in clinic.  Taking time to get to know a patient as an individual and learning their goals and values prior to diving into conversations about prognosis and change in treatment plan facilitates more effective goals of care discussions.   Utilizing and practicing a communication framework can improve our skills at goals of care discussions.   Palliative inotropes should be reserved for patients experiencing symptomatic benefit from the therapy that outweighs the associated risks including arrhythmias and infections. The burden of managing these therapies at home should also be considered. Partnerships between cardiologists and hospice agencies can improve the experience for patients with heart failure who enroll in hospice. Cardiologists can continue to see their patients even after hospice enrollment and help with symptom management.   Notes Notes: Notes drafted by Dr. Barnes. 1. What is the difference between primary palliative care and specialty palliative care? Primary palliative care is the delivery of palliative care services that any clinician can deliver. This includes aligning treatment with a patient’s goals and basic symptom management. For heart failure patients, symptom management can include cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain as well as managing comorbid mood disorders such as adjustment disorder, depression, and anxiety. Advanced palliative care skills take additional training and time to develop. These include leading a difficult family meeting, managing symptoms that are not controlled with standard therapies and responding to emotional and spiritual distress. When these situations are encountered, referral to a specialty palliative care service should be considered. 1 2. How is palliative care integrated throughout the disease trajectory of a patient with heart failure? Heart failure clinicians deliver primary palliative care when assessing a patient’s preferences, goals and values or managing symptoms. As a patient’s disease progresses, the heart failure team also engages in primary palliative care when delivering news about prognosis. When advanced therapies are being considered, utilization of shared decision-making (SDM) should be employed (see question 3 for further discussion on SDM). For patients being considered for LVAD, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates that patients are seen by a palliative care specialist prior to implantation. 2 Despite this, there remains variability in how institutions involve specialty palliative care in this decision-making process. Thoughtful consideration of what palliative care resources are available at your institution should guide how best to integrate specialty palliative care teams into the LVAD decision tree. One example of a model for meeting this mandate is having a small team of heart failure clinicians with additional palliative care training meet all patient’s being evaluate for LVAD. 3. What is shared decision-making (SDM) and how is it utilized when evaluating a patient for advanced therapies? SDM is a collaborative process where patients and clinicians work together to make medical decisions that are aligned with a patient’s goals and values.3 There are a variety of communication frameworks that can be used to engage in effective SDM. One framework is the Serious Illness Conversation guide. This is an evidenced based framework that can be used to deliver the news about a patient’s current condition and then assess their goals, values and preferences for next steps in their treatment plan.4  This framework can be helpful when discussing prognosis prior to introducing the idea of an evaluation for advanced therapies. REMAP is a second commonly used framework which stands for Reframe, Expect Emotion, Map What’s Important, Align, and Plan.5 This framework is similarly helpful when starting a discussion about advanced therapies with a patient. Both frameworks prioritize learning about a patient’s goals, values, and preferences prior to making a recommendation for a treatment plan. Listening more than speaking and accepting that a patient and their family may choose a path that is different than what you personally might choose for yourself or your loved ones are vital pillars to engaging in these conversations effectively. When discussing LVAD, it is important to avoid framing the decision as “LVAD or no LVAD,” rather LVAD versus best supportive care. The “Best Case, Worst Case” framework is an effective way to create choice awareness for patients when they are faced with making this decision. This is a way to discuss both the best outcomes after LVAD implantation as well as the potential complications so a patient is better able to understand the full spectrum of possible outcomes. 6 4. How do you select which patients would benefit from home inotrope therapy? There is no data demonstrating a survival benefit with use of palliative inotropes. There may be subsets of patients who derive a survival benefit, such as patients whose renal function worsens when the agent is withdrawn, however there is no concrete data proving this. 7 Therefore, the benefit of home inotrope therapy should be based on if the patient derives symptomatic benefit from these agents. Additionally, risks of the therapy such as arrhythmias and infection as well as the burden of managing these therapies at home should also be weighed in the decision.8 Life expectancy for patients being initiated on palliative inotropes likely ranges from 6 to 9 months. Given this prognosis, concordant palliative care efforts should be intensified when starting patients on these agents. This can either be through involvement in specialty palliative care or increasing primary palliative care interventions. 9 5. How do you determine if a patient would be a candidate for hospice and how do you discuss hospice with patients and their families? Hospice is a comprehensive program that provides supportive care to patients at end of life. This includes a team of physicians, nurses, aids, social workers and chaplains that can deliver care in the home, at a nursing facility, or in an inpatient hospice facility. 10 Patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less can qualify for hospice services. Even if a patient qualifies for hospice based on their prognosis, it is important to assess if a patient’s goals and values align with hospice. Introducing hospice to patients who still desire life prolonging care can cause mistrust between the patient and their health care team. When introducing hospice, it is helpful to describe the services hospice offers in addition to naming the service as some patients may have a negative connotation with the word “hospice.” 6. How can cardiologists partner with hospice agencies to provide better care for these patients? Heart failure specialists can continue to see their patients even after they enroll in hospice. Partnering in hospice agencies in this way can help improve symptom management for patients while also allowing them to continue meaningful relationships with providers with whom they’ve developed a longitudinal relationship with. Guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) and diuretics can be continued while enrolled in hospice as long as they are offering symptomatic benefit. Heart failure specialists can help with adjusting GDMT to cheaper formulations, such as exchanging angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ANRIs) for angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Many hospice agencies cannot accept patients receiving palliative inotropes due to the resources and training required to safely care for these patients. Understanding what hospice agencies in your area can and cannot support allows heart failure specialists to have informed discussions with patients and make appropriate referrals. References Quill TE, Abernethy AP. Generalist plus Specialist Palliative Care — Creating a More Sustainable Model. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(13):1173-1175. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1215620. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1215620 Ventricular Assist

    55 min
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