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!
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CardioNerds ( Drs. Rawan Amir , Tripti Gupta , and Alysha Joseph ) discuss the fundamentals of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) surgery with Dr. Elizabeth Stephens . Audio editing by CardioNerds academy intern, Grace Qiu . Using a case of a young adult undergoing a Ross procedure, the episode walks through what happens in the operating room—from induction and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), myocardial protection, and surgical repair. Th...
The following question refers to Section 7.1 of the 2025 ACS Guidelines. The question is asked by Thomas Jefferson medical student and CardioNerds Academy Intern Dr. Grace Qiu, answered first by University of Michigan fellow and CardioNerds FIT Ambassador Dr. Kayla Secrest, and then by expert faculty Dr. Sunil Rao. Dr. Rao is an interventional cardiologist, Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Deputy Director of the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, and the Director of...
CardioNerds delve into acute pulmonary embolism (PE) risk stratification with Dr. Stavros Konstantinides, chair of the 2019 ESC PE Guidelines. They explore how modern PE care emphasizes a dynamic, physiology-based approach over static labels, using a real-world case to illustrate the nuances. The discussion critically examines the limitations of older risk scores, underscoring the significance of right ventricular dysfunction and emerging biomarkers like lactate in identifying patients at risk of hemodynamic collapse before blood pressure drops. Furthermore, the episode champions the role of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) in facilitating continuous reassessment and multidisciplinary decision-making for optimal, patient-centered care.
Dr. Michael Gallagher details how CCTA has revolutionized CAD detection, prevention, and management, highlighting its shift beyond just identifying stenosis to assessing plaque burden and composition. The discussion covers the clinical utility of CT-FFR in guiding revascularization decisions and the emerging role of AI-based quantitative plaque analysis for risk stratification and monitoring treatment response. The episode also critically reviews the evidence, assumptions, and limitations of these advanced imaging techniques.
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 eject...
This episode of CardioNerds explores complex atrial fibrillation management with expert Dr. Bradley Knight. Discussions cover critical scenarios like AFib in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, pregnancy, and adult congenital heart disease, highlighting tailored rhythm control strategies and the dangers of certain medications. The episode also addresses tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, the evolving role of ablation, and offers essential advice for trainees on comprehensive AFib care and timely intervention, including insights into new technologies like Pulse Field Ablation.
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. Braunw...
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. ...
CardioNerds discuss the multifaceted role of SGLT2 inhibitors in managing and preventing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The episode covers CTRCD definition, diagnosis, monitoring, and risk factors, emphasizing the cornerstone role of guideline-directed medical therapy. It delves into SGLT2i mechanisms, including metabolic reprogramming and anti-inflammatory effects, and reviews current clinical evidence, ongoing trials, and critical knowledge gaps for their use in cardio-oncology, particularly for primary prevention. While promising for traditional cardiotoxicity, SGLT2i's role in immune checkpoint inhibitor-related myocarditis currently lacks clinical evidence.
This episode of Cardionerds features Dr. Sarah Chuzi discussing the vital integration of palliative care in advanced heart failure management. The conversation defines primary versus specialty palliative care, highlights the importance of shared decision-making using communication frameworks like the Serious Illness Conversation guide for advanced therapies, and addresses the nuanced use of palliative inotropes. It also provides guidance on approaching hospice discussions and fostering partnerships with hospice agencies to better support heart failure patients, including unique considerations for adult congenital heart disease patients.
Drs. Belkin and Salerno discuss the nuances of LVAD management, focusing on right ventricular physiology and perioperative optimization, crucial for preventing early and late complications. They explain HeartMate 3 device parameters, including pulsatility index, and address long-term issues like infections and anticoagulation. The episode also explores LVAD-related sensitization, the evolving role of GDMT in myocardial recovery, and the future of fully implantable devices, underscoring the vital interplay of surgical and medical care.
This CardioNerds episode delves into the profound evolution of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) care, moving from anticoagulation-only strategies to nuanced, risk-stratified, multidisciplinary management. Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield, a PERT Consortium founder, discusses how PERTs and the Consortium improve outcomes by coordinating rapid, multispecialty decision-making, standardizing care, fostering research through the largest PE registry, and offering significant career development opportunities for clinicians and trainees. The episode also addresses persistent challenges in long-term follow-up and post-PE syndrome.
CardioNerds ( Dr. Jenna Skowronski [Heart Failure Council Chair], Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Josh Longinow ) are joined by renowned leaders in the field of AHFTC (Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology) and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Jeff Teuteberg and Dr. Mani Daneshmand to continue the discussion of advanced heart failure therapies by taking a deep dive into the world of durable LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices). In this episode, we will review the history of ventricular...
CardioNerds ( Dr. Ramy Doss , Dr. Kelly Arps , and Dr. Naima Maqsood ) dive into the nuances of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation with Dr. Jon Piccini . They provide a high-yield overview of AF ablation, guiding listeners from patient selection through post-procedural management. We review appropriate candidacy for catheter ablation across AF phenotypes, key elements of pre-procedural evaluation including imaging and anticoagulation strategy, and the fundamental procedural steps with pulmonary v...
CardioNerds ( Dr. Shazli Khan, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, and Dr. Shiva Patlolla ) discuss the management of patients post‑heart transplantation with Dr. Shelley Hall from Baylor University Medical Center and Dr. MaryJane Farr from UTSW. In this comprehensive review, we cover the physiology of the transplanted heart, immunosuppression strategies, rejection surveillance, and long-term complications including cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and malignancy. Audio editing for this episode was perfor...
CardioNerds and Dr. Andrew Epstein explore antiarrhythmic drugs in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter management. They delve into Class IC agents like flecainide, the nuances of Class III drugs (ibutilide, sotalol, dofetilide), and the complex profile of amiodarone and dronedarone. The discussion covers mechanisms, indications, patient-specific considerations, crucial monitoring, and potential toxicities, emphasizing a balanced approach between rhythm control, side effect profiles, and the synergy with ablation.
In this episode, the CardioNerds ( Dr. Natalie Tapaskar , Dr. Jenna Skowronski , and Dr. Shazli Khan ) discuss the process of heart transplantation from the initial donor selection to the time a patient is discharged with Dr. Dave Kaczorowski and Dr. Jason Katz . We dissect a case where we understand criteria for donor selection, the differences between DBD and DCD organ donors, the choice of vasoactive agents in the post-operative period, complications such as cardiac tamponade, and the choice ...
Dr. Joshua Cooper, an electrophysiology educator, delves into atrial flutter, explaining its distinct pathophysiology compared to atrial fibrillation. The discussion covers typical and atypical flutter circuits, the challenges of rate control, and the efficacy of catheter ablation as a primary treatment. The episode also explores acute management in critically ill patients, stroke risk, and the long-term relationship between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Kelly Schlendorf joins the CardioNerds to explore the complexities of heart transplant evaluation and management, starting with a challenging AMI-shock case. The discussion covers the current heart allocation system, factors influencing donor matching and wait times like blood type and sensitization, and advanced desensitization therapies. The episode also highlights innovative strategies to expand the donor pool, including the use of DCD, hepatitis C positive, and HIV positive donors, emphasizing the evolving future of transplantation.
CardioNerds explores chronic atrial fibrillation management based on the 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS guidelines. Dr. Edmond Cronin discusses AFib classifications, symptom recognition beyond palpitations, and treatment options from early rhythm control (EAST-AFNET 4 trial) to advanced therapies like AV node ablation and surgical interventions. The episode also highlights monitoring strategies, antiarrhythmic drug considerations, and current knowledge gaps in AFib care.
Dr. Michelle Kittleson guides a case-based discussion on advanced heart failure. The episode covers identifying signs of end-stage heart failure using the I-NEED-HELP mnemonic, initial management strategies, and the comprehensive diagnostic workup required for advanced therapies. It also delves into the critical considerations for choosing between LVAD and heart transplantation, emphasizing the essential multidisciplinary team approach and future outlook in the field.
This episode features leading experts discussing the rapid evolution of cardio-obstetrics, a vital field addressing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of maternal mortality. They delve into its expansion beyond pregnancy to include preconception and postpartum care, known as the "fourth trimester." The conversation emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered decision-making, and the urgent need for advocacy, expanded education, and system-level innovations to improve equitable patient outcomes.
Dr. Jeanne De Lavallaz and Dr. Ramy Doss discuss the results of the TRANSFORM-AF Trial with expert faculty Dr. Sanjeev Saksena and Dr. Varun Sundaram . The TRANSFORM-AF trial enrolled 2,510 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), type 2 diabetes, and obesity across 170 Veterans Affairs hospitals to evaluate the impact of diabetes-dose GLP-1 receptor agonists on AF-related outcomes. Participants were assigned to receive either a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a DPP-IV inhibitor, or a sulfonylurea. The p...
Dr. Jonathan Chrispin discusses the acute management of atrial fibrillation, emphasizing initial history, trigger identification, and stroke prevention. The discussion delves into optimal heart rate targets and the selection of rate-controlling agents, weighing options like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. The episode also explores the benefits of upfront rhythm control, especially in heart failure, and specific strategies for post-operative AFib and electrical cardioversion, offering valuable insights for clinicians.
In this powerful kickoff to a collaborative series with the AHA Women in Cardiology (WIC) Committee, CardioNerds ( Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli , Dr. Gurleen Kaur , and Dr. Jenna Skowronski ) explore the evolving landscape of women in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, featuring insights from two inspiring leaders in the field. Dr. Mariell Jessup , Chief Science and Medical Officer of the American Heart Association, reflects on her decades-long journey in heart failure cardiology, from ...
CardioNerds ( Dr. Abby Frederickson, Dr. Claire Cambron, and Dr. Rawan Amir ) are joined by Dr. Leigh Reardon for a powerful conversation on navigating adult congenital heart disease as both a patient and provider. Dr. Reardon shares his personal journey with congenital heart disease and how it shaped his path to becoming an expert in the field himself. The discussion highlights patient-centered perspectives, barriers to care within the healthcare system, and the importance of advocacy and empat...
CardioNerds discuss the critical role of modifiable risk factors and lifestyle management in atrial fibrillation (AFib) with Dr. Prash Sanders. The episode covers AFib's rising prevalence, its underlying pathophysiology, and the impact of factors like obesity, sleep apnea, and alcohol. It highlights how targeted risk factor reduction serves as the "4th pillar" of AFib treatment, offering practical strategies for patient counseling and clinic integration.
CardioNerds ( Drs. Amit Goyal, Elizabeth Davis, and Keerthi Gondi) discuss the approach to asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis with expert faculty Drs. Parth Desai and Tony Bavry. They review the natural history of aortic stenosis, current guidelines for treating severe aortic stenosis, multiparametric risk stratification, trial data on aortic valve replacement for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and a practical approach for our patients today. This episode was supported by an...
CardioNerds join Dr. Neel Patel, Dr. Victoria Odeleye, and Dr. Jay Ramsay from the University of Tennessee, Nashville, for a deep dive into cardiovascular medicine in the vibrant city of Nashville. They discuss the following case: A 57-year-old male with a history of prior cardiac surgery, hypertension, and polysubstance use presented with syncope and chest pain. Initial workup revealed a large saccular ascending aortic aneurysm. While under conservative management, he experienced acute hemodyna...
This episode delves into a complex case of a young, otherwise healthy man suffering recurrent exercise-induced malignant ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrests. It explores the diagnostic journey, highlighting the critical roles of electrophysiology studies, cardiac MRI with late gadolinium enhancement, and EKG morphology in uncovering a concealed arrhythmogenic subepicardial scar. The discussion also covers management strategies, including ICD placement for secondary prevention and catheter ablation to improve quality of life, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making.
