Excess Mortality and Hospitalizations Associated with Seasonal Influenza in Patients with Heart Failure

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster highlights five cutting-edge cardiology studies from the December 2024 issue of JACC, covering topics such as cardiac MRI's role in predicting sudden cardiac events in Fontan patients, the impact of oxidized phospholipids on calcific aortic valve disease, and the effects of renal and liver function on outcomes after tricuspid valve repair. With insights on mortality risks from influenza in heart failure patients and the outcomes of anatomical versus physiological repair for congenital heart defects, the episode offers a comprehensive look at critical advancements in cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a groundbreaking study on cardiac MRI predictors of arrhythmic sudden cardiac events in patients with Fontan circulation, highlighting key risk factors for these life-threatening incidents. The study, part of the multi-center FORCE registry, reveals significant findings, including the impact of clinical status and ventricular function, while emphasizing the importance of large-scale research in improving outcomes for single ventricle patients.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Furster discusses a groundbreaking study on the role of oxidized phospholipids in calcific aortic valvular disease, highlighting their significant association with disease prevalence and progression. The findings suggest that targeting oxidized phospholipids, not just the Lp(a) particle, could offer a promising new therapeutic approach to treat this condition.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on the impact of renal and liver function on clinical outcomes following tricuspid valve transcatheter H2O repair in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. While the study found no significant differences in organ function between repair and control groups at 12 months, successful repairs showed small but favorable improvements in kidney and liver function, suggesting potential long-term benefits in reducing heart failure hospitalizations and mortality.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on the significant impact of seasonal influenza on mortality and hospitalizations among patients with heart failure. The research highlights that influenza is responsible for substantial excess deaths and hospitalizations in this vulnerable group, emphasizing the need for better vaccination uptake and preventive measures to reduce these risks.

In this podcast, Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses a study on the long-term outcomes of two surgical approaches—anatomic and physiologic repair—for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. The findings suggest that while the complex anatomic repair offers better survival and reintervention-free outcomes, patient selection is crucial, with careful consideration needed, especially for asymptomatic infants or those with preoperative pulmonary artery banding.

In the December 2024 issue of JACC, Dr. Valentin Fuster summarizes five pivotal clinical studies, including one on bleeding and mortality following revascularization for left main coronary artery disease, which highlights higher bleeding rates post-CABG compared to PCI. Other key articles explore the use of the MitraClip in treating moderate-to-severe functional mitral regurgitation, evaluating its impact on hospitalization and quality of life, as well as comparing aspirin monotherapy to no antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing low-risk non-cardiac surgery, and testing a novel low-dose triple pill for hypertension.

In the December 10, 2024 JACC issue, a study from the EXCEL trial examines the link between bleeding complications and mortality in patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing PCI or CABG. The findings highlight that while PCI showed lower rates of bleeding, both procedures had bleeding-related mortality risks, underscoring the need for strategies to minimize bleeding during and after revascularization.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster delves into the latest research surrounding the use of the mitral clip for patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation, comparing the results of three major trials: the French MITRA-FR trial, the American COAPT trial, and the Reshape HF 2 trial. While the COAPT and Reshape HF 2 trials show positive outcomes, especially in reducing hospitalizations and improving heart failure symptoms, the French trial saw no benefit, prompting debate over the influence of left ventricular volume and disease severity on treatment success, with expert opinions calling for further studies and individualized meta-analyses.

In this episode, Dr. Valentin Fuster delves into the latest research surrounding the use of the mitral clip for patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation, comparing the results of three major trials: the French MITRA-FR trial, the American COAPT trial, and the Reshape HF 2 trial. While the COAPT and Reshape HF 2 trials show positive outcomes, especially in reducing hospitalizations and improving heart failure symptoms, the French trial saw no benefit, prompting debate over the influence of left ventricular volume and disease severity on treatment success, with expert opinions calling for further studies and individualized meta-analyses.