Cardiology Digest Podcast: Episode 1

In this inaugural episode, we dive into the latest cardiovascular research on the risks of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, a new drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension, the effects of coffee on the cardiovascular systems, and the financial ties between doctors and companies.

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Show notes:

Study #1

In this randomized case-crossover study, we'll explore whether caffeinated coffee affects premature atrial contractions (PACs) and ventricular contractions (PVCs) in healthy adults.

"During the study, it was found that caffeinated coffee was not associated with premature atrial contractions."

Marcus, GM, Rosenthal, DG, Nah, G, et al. 2023. Acute effects of coffee consumption on health among ambulatory adults. N Engl J Med. 12: 1092–1100. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2204737)

Study #2

Examine the Open Payments Program (OPP) data, revealing trends in industry payments to cardiologists from 2014 to 2019, including the necessity for transparency.

"It's absolutely necessary to have transparency in these financial relationships, and the study sheds light on the extent of payments and the types of payments being made."

Zhang, R, Purkayastha, S, Ying, X, et al. 2023. Trends in industry payments to cardiologists from 2014 to 2019. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 5: e009820.  (https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES....)

Study #3

Sotatercept has shown promising results in improving the six-minute walk distance of individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but it’s associated with several side effects and more research is required before it can be considered a first-line therapy.

"The primary endpoint of a six-minute walk distance improved by a median of 34 meters in those treated with sotatercept compared with only 1 meter in the placebo group."

Hoeper, MM, Badesch, DB, Ghofrani, A, et al. 2023. Phase 3 trial of sotatercept for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. N Engl J Med. 16: 1478–1490. (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2213558)

Study #4

Discover how subclinical coronary atherosclerosis detectable computed tomographic angiography (CTA) can pose a significant risk for myocardial infarction (MI) in asymptomatic middle-aged men and women in a Danish cohort.

"Extensive or obstructive subclinical atherosclerosis conveys substantial excess risk for myocardial infarction."

Fuchs, A, Kühl, JT, Sigvardsen, PE, et al. 2023. Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and risk for myocardial infarction in a Danish cohort: A prospective observational cohort study. Ann Intern Med. 4: 433–442. (https://doi.org/10.7326/M22-3027)