American Heart Association

Dr. Maya Balakrishnan explains distinguishing between heartburn and heart conditions, noting age-related risks and symptoms, and emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor for persistent chest pain.

SUMMIT trial shows tirzepatide reduces cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure events in obese HFpEF patients, with significant improvements in quality of life, functional capacity, weight, and systemic inflammation. Tirzepatide's benefits are consistent across subgroups, though the mechanism of its HF benefit remains unclear.

The WATCHMAN FLX™ device showed superiority to oral anticoagulants in reducing bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation patients post-cardiac ablation, according to the OPTION trial results presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024.

BRAIN-AF trial finds rivaroxaban does not reduce neurocognitive decline, stroke, or TIA risk in adults under 65 with atrial fibrillation, challenging the use of oral anticoagulation in younger, lower-risk patients.

SUMMIT trial results show tirzepatide reduces risk of worsening heart failure and cardiovascular events in HFpEF and obesity patients, improving health status and functional capacity.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) reduces heart failure risk in obese patients with HFpEF, showing a 38% reduction in heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death and a 12-21% weight loss in the SUMMIT trial. Tirzepatide is the first medication to alter the clinical course of HFpEF and obesity, according to principal investigator Milton Packer, MD.

A study on providing feedback to pharmacists in the Veterans Affairs system showed increased HF patient encounters and GDMT uptitration, driven by greater MRA use. The modest GDMT change highlights the need for a multipronged strategy to improve HF medical therapy.

PHARM-HF study at AHA 2024 shows VHA pharmacists receiving feedback on heart failure medication rates, plus education, increased management and adjustment frequency. Both intervention groups saw increases, with audit and feedback group showing significant improvements in heart failure management and medication adjustments.

SUMMIT trial results show tirzepatide reduces combined risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death, and improves health status and functional capacity in adults with HFpEF and obesity, compared to placebo. Tirzepatide, a long-acting agonist of GIP and GLP-1 receptors, is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Cytokinetics presented new post-hoc analyses of GALACTIC-HF, showing omecamtiv mecarbil's efficacy in reducing heart failure risks in high-risk patients, including older adults and those with ventricular arrhythmias. The treatment effect was consistent across age groups and reduced the primary outcome risk in severe heart failure patients. Omecamtiv mecarbil also showed safety regarding ventricular arrhythmias and potential benefits for those with severely reduced LVEF.