American heart journal
Audio Summaries

Prognostic Impact of Combined Inflammatory Markers in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Jun 21, 2026

The authors investigate the combined prognostic value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Their findings indicate that patients with elevated levels of both inflammatory markers have the highest incidence of MACE, suggesting that a dual-marker approach may enhance risk stratification post-PCI compared to using either marker alone.

The Association of Single Ventricle Morphology with Long Term Quality of Life Among Survivors: A Report from CHD PULSE (Congenital Heart Disease Project to Understand Lifelong Survivor Experience)

Jun 20, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the association between single ventricle morphology and long-term quality of life, medical, neurocognitive, and socioeconomic outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Their study found no significant differences in outcomes between patients with left versus right ventricular morphology, but highlighted that single ventricle patients reported more medical comorbidities and lower educational attainment compared to their siblings, despite similar PROMIS scores in certain health domains. Overall, the findings suggest that while ventricular morphology does not impact long-term outcomes, significant disparities exist between SV patients and their siblings.

Lessons Learned from the Feasibility Phase of the REvascularization CHoices Among Under-Represented Groups Evaluation (RECHARGE) Trial Program

Jun 20, 2026

The RECHARGE trial program aims to evaluate the feasibility of enrolling under-represented groups, specifically women, Black, and Hispanic patients, in randomized trials comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The pilot phase revealed challenges such as patient and physician treatment preferences, inconsistent multidisciplinary processes, and the need for tailored engagement strategies, ultimately leading to successful recruitment that exceeded initial goals. Insights gained from this phase are intended to guide future trials targeting similar populations.

Registry of Atrial Fibrillation in Latin America: Primary Results of the LACROSS Study

Jun 19, 2026

The LACROSS study aimed to assess the management and clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation in Latin America, focusing on the prevalence of oral anticoagulation use among patients. The study found that nearly 30% of the 2,012 patients were not receiving anticoagulation, with significant associations between adverse outcomes and factors such as age, diabetes, and renal disease. These results underscore the critical need to address gaps in anticoagulation therapy and improve patient care in the region.

Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Contractility Index in Patients with Coarctation of Aorta and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Jun 17, 2026

This study investigates the relationship between left ventricular contractility, as measured by the left ventricular contractility index (LVCi), and clinical outcomes in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The authors found that lower LVCi was associated with worse outcomes, including lower peak VO2, higher NT-proBNP levels, and increased mortality, suggesting that LVCi may be a more reliable prognostic indicator than LVEF in this population. Further research is needed to define optimal LVCi cutoff values and explore potential therapeutic interventions for patients with reduced contractility despite preserved LVEF.

The Effect of Zalunfiban on High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin and the Association with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with STEMI

Jun 16, 2026

This study investigates the effects of zalunfiban, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocker, on high sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) levels and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The authors found that higher hs-cTnT concentrations at presentation were linked to worse reperfusion metrics and increased short-term mortality and heart failure risk, while zalunfiban treatment was associated with reduced hs-cTnT levels and smaller myocardial infarction size. Overall, the findings suggest that zalunfiban may improve outcomes in STEMI patients by mitigating myocardial injury.

Clinical Profiles to Guide Decongestion in Acute Heart Failure

Jun 9, 2026

The authors aim to define actionable decongestion targets in acute heart failure by integrating diuretic resistance (DR) with residual congestion (RC) assessed at 72 hours post-treatment. Through a pooled analysis of two studies involving 636 patients, they identified four clinical profiles based on RC and DR that correlate with a 90-day risk of adverse outcomes, suggesting that this integrated approach may enhance risk stratification and guide therapeutic decisions.

Clinical Outcomes and Impact of Aortic Valve Replacement in Concordant vs. Discordant High-Gradient Aortic Stenosis

Jun 6, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with discordant high-gradient aortic stenosis (DHG-AS) compared to those with concordant high-gradient aortic stenosis (CHG-AS). Their findings revealed that while DHG-AS patients had lower AVR rates and higher unadjusted mortality, AVR significantly improved survival in DHG-AS patients, suggesting that timely intervention is crucial for this group. Ultimately, after accounting for AVR, survival rates between DHG-AS and CHG-AS were not significantly different.

Cardio-kidney-metabolic overlap in patients with severe heart failure: data from the HELP-HF registry

Jun 4, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) conditions in patients with severe heart failure (HF). Analyzing data from the HELP-HF registry, they found that CKM overlap was highly prevalent and associated with progressively worse clinical outcomes, including increased risk of death and HF hospitalization. These findings highlight the importance of CKM profiling for risk stratification in severe HF patients.

Toward Developing a Patient Reported Outcomes Measure for Children with Heart Failure: A Qualitative Study Design

Jun 4, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the unique experiences of adolescents living with heart failure (HF) to inform the development of a patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM) tailored for this population. Through qualitative interviews and focus groups with patients and caregivers, they identified key themes related to functional and social impairments, emotional effects, and the overall burden of illness. The findings highlight the need for an adolescent-specific PROM to better support clinicians and regulators in managing pediatric heart failure.