CMHC Pulse Blog

The American Heart Association (AHA) Congress 2024, held from November 16–18, marked a pivotal moment in cardiovascular and metabolic health. As the AHA celebrates its 100th year, the conference reflected on a century of innovation while exploring the future of cardiovascular disease prevention and management. 

Here are the top highlights: 

Late-Breaking Science and Key Trials 

The conference featured 8 late-breaking clinical trials, including: 

1. BPROAD Trial: Intensive SBP lowering (<120 mmHg) reduced MACE by 21% compared to standard treatment (<140 mmHg) in patients with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, though risks like hyperkalemia and symptomatic hypotension require careful monitoring. Read the published study. 

2. SUMMIT Trial: Weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide showed significant reductions in CV death and HF-related events among patients with HFpEF and obesity. Access the full study. 

3. OPTION Trial: LAAC after AFib ablation was associated with lower risks of major bleeding compared to oral anticoagulation. View the study. 

4. VANISH2 Trial: Catheter ablation as first-line therapy reduced VT episodes more effectively than antiarrhythmic drugs in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Read the study here. 

5. GLORIOUS Trial: Perioperative exenatide infusion for individuals undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass-assisted cardiac surgery showed no significant benefit in preventing death or organ injury. Click to the full study. 

6. ALPACAR Trial: Zerlasiran, a siRNA therapy, reduced Lp(a) by over 80% and LDL by 25-30%, highlighting its potential in ASCVD management. Get the full study.  

Addressing Disparities and Expanding Access 

1. Sessions highlighted the importance of improving cardiovascular health in women and underrepresented minorities, emphasizing the need for diverse healthcare providers to build trust and improve outcomes. 

2. A global symposium on November 15 tackled disparities in access and outcomes, bringing multidisciplinary perspectives to the table. 

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation 

1. AI-driven studies like the AI-ECHO trial demonstrated workflow efficiency and examination quality improvements for sonographers, signaling a shift in care delivery. Watch AI-ECHO results. 

2. AHA announced a $12M investment in AI research, with an RFP slated for early 2025. Express interest here. 

Bridging Research and Clinical Practice 

1. The PHARM-HF trial evaluated strategies to optimize HF medication management in primary care, showing the effectiveness of audit and feedback. 

2. The NUDGE-FLU trial revealed cardiovascular-focused messaging increased flu vaccination rates in myocardial infarction patients. 

3. Environmental impacts on cardiovascular health were explored through basic science research, emphasizing a population health approach to climate-related challenges. 

Practical Resources for Cardiometabolic Health 

For a deeper dive into practical strategies in cardiorenal metabolic health, get the 19th Annual Cardiometabolic Health Congress (CMHC) On-Demand. Earn 14 CME credits anytime on any device. 

Many of our CMHC faculty who spoke at AHA 2024 are featured in this on-demand program, sharing expertise on key topics in cardiorenal health, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and more. Co-chaired by leading experts Peter Libby, MD, Erin D. Michos, MD, Christie M. Ballantyne, MD, Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, and Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, CMHC 2024 On Demand keeps you up-to-date—on your schedule. 

Get the latest knowledge and practical tools in cardiometabolic health to improve your practice in 2025.