American Heart Association

RN0191, a PCSK9 siRNA, showed up to 95% individual and 87% mean maximum PCSK9 reduction, and up to 74% individual and 56% mean maximal LDL-C lowering in a Phase 1 trial. The robust and sustainable effects support bi-annual dosing, with potential as a best-in-class therapy for reducing atherosclerosis cardiovascular risk.

A CRISPR-Cas9-based therapy, nexiguran ziclumeran, reduced serum transthyretin (TTR) levels by 89% at 28 days and 90% at 12 months in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). The therapy, targeting TTR production in the liver, showed potential to halt disease progression, with minimal change in biomarkers and functional tests. The phase III MAGNITUDE trial will further assess its safety and efficacy.

Christian Ruff, MD, MPH, presented results from the AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial, showing abelacimab (Anthos) significantly reduced bleeding in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared to rivaroxaban. Abelacimab targets factor 11 in the blood clotting cascade, reducing bad clots without inhibiting healing clots, leading to a 60-70% reduction in bleeding. Future research includes the LILAC-TIMI 76 trial to establish abelacimab's efficacy in reducing stroke in high-risk patients.

Email reminders can boost flu shot uptake in MI patients, with CV-focused messaging most effective among vaccine-hesitant and younger, recent MI patients. NUDGE-FLU trial results suggest simple, scalable strategies for high-risk groups, though US validation is needed.

NUDGE-FLU program data shows electronic messages highlighting flu shots' cardiovascular benefits increased vaccination rates among heart attack survivors by 1.8% and 1.3% among adults without such history. Lead author Ankeet Bhatt emphasizes the need for scalable strategies to improve flu vaccination rates, noting that cardiovascular-focused messaging should be considered for high-risk patients.

An electronic message highlighting cardiovascular benefits of flu shots improved vaccination rates among 2 million Danish adults, especially those with a history of heart attack, in three clinical trials. This low-cost strategy should be considered globally to boost vaccination rates.

In patients with acute MI who underwent PCI, spironolactone did not improve primary composite outcomes but reduced risk for new or worsening HF, according to CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS-9) trial.

Leonard Egede, MD, MS, FACP, presented a study on redlining and structural racism's impact on life expectancy at the AHA 2024 Scientific Sessions. The study found historic redlining and contemporary structural racism significantly decrease life expectancy, especially for minority groups. Egede emphasized the need to address past and current policies affecting housing, transportation, food, employment, and education to improve health outcomes.

GLORIOUS study finds no improvement in clinical outcomes from using GLP-1 receptor agonist or restrictive oxygenation during CPB-assisted coronary artery surgery and/or valve replacement surgery.

Spironolactone may reduce heart failure risk post-heart attack but doesn't significantly impact death or severe heart events, according to the CLEAR SYNERGY trial. High potassium levels were more common in spironolactone users, leading to more discontinuations.