Advertise on podcast: ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research

ardiac and hepatic function are closely interconnected, with deterioration in one organ often accelerating disease progression in the other. Emerging evidence, including data suggesting semaglutide may slow or halt liver fibrosis progression, highlights the need to rethink how we manage patients with overlapping heart and liver disease. By examining the heart–liver axis, clinicians can gain insight into more integrated approaches to care and consider why this clinically important connection has only recently gained broader attention.    In this interview, Richard A. Chazal MD, MACC and Vishal N. Rao, MD, MPH examine the interconnectedness of cardiovascular (CV) and hepatic risk. 

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome encompasses a spectrum of interconnected cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic conditions that progress through defined stages. A five-stage CKM treatment framework emphasizes timely identification of risk factors, structured and personalized risk discussions, and early, interdisciplinary intervention. By targeting obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, this approach supports comprehensive risk reduction and improved long-term cardiometabolic outcomes.    In this interview, Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and  Chiadi E. Ndumele, MD, PhD discuss Addressing Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Health. 

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a devastating, progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality despite advances in targeted therapies. Sotatercept, the most recent addition to the PAH treatment landscape, has demonstrated robust efficacy across multiple phase 3 randomized clinical trials. The HYPERION trial expands the evidence base by showing a favorable benefit–risk profile for sotatercept when used early in the disease course. Pooled analyses across trials further suggest that sotatercept may have a meaningful impact on mortality in patients with PAH.  In this interview, Mary Norine Walsh MD, MACC and Vallerie V. McLaughlin, MD, FACC discuss the phase 3 HYPERION trial.  

Caffeinated coffee may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation through several proposed mechanisms, including improved autonomic balance, antioxidant effects, and enhanced vascular function. While observational data have hinted at these benefits, randomized trial evidence has been limited. Findings from the DECAF Trial further demonstrate that atrial fibrillation patients do not need to avoid caffeinated coffee—and that it may even help lower their risk of future episodes.   In this interview, Matthew W. Martinez MD, FACC and Gregory M. Marcus, MD, FACC discuss the 'Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation (DECAF)' Trial.  

The 2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline introduces key updates to the 2017 recommendations, reflecting the evolving understanding of hypertension and its long‑term impact on patient health. This update emphasizes evidence‑based strategies for diagnosis and management, highlighting the importance of standardized guidelines in improving outcomes. Key takeaways include refined treatment thresholds, enhanced risk‑stratification approaches, and clearer direction for individualized patient care. Looking ahead, the guideline underscores a forward‑thinking approach that integrates emerging research to support more proactive hypertension management.   In this interview, Clyde W. Yancy MD, MACC and Daniel W. Jones, MD discuss the 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline.   

Heart and kidney disease are closely linked, as individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events and heart failure. Because this cardiometabolic connection is so strong, identifying high‑risk individuals early is essential to preventing progression of both conditions. A holistic approach—including guideline‑directed therapies that target blood pressure, glucose, and inflammation—can simultaneously lower the risk of heart disease and slow kidney decline. Newer treatments now allow clinicians to address both organs together, improving long‑term health outcomes.  In this interview, Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC and Janani Rangaswami, MD examine "Cardiovascular-Kidney Therapies in CKD".  

The findings from the TUXEDO‑2 trial provide important clinical insights for managing high‑risk patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary disease undergoing stenting. By directly comparing ticagrelor and prasugrel within a dual antiplatelet therapy regimen, the trial helps clarify whether one agent offers superior protection in this complex population. These results may influence clinical decision‑making, particularly if meaningful differences in outcomes are demonstrated.  In this interview, Sidney C. Smith Jr., MD, MACC and Sripal Bangalore, MD, MHA discuss the TUXEDO-2 Trial.    

The GOFRESH trial showed that providing DASH‑patterned groceries through a structured grocery‑ordering strategy meaningfully lowered systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol among Black families living in a Boston‑area food desert. These results highlight the powerful role of nutrition by showing that accessible, culturally relevant food‑as‑medicine strategies can deliver measurable cardiovascular benefits while helping reduce disparities and equipping patients with practical tools for healthier living.  In this interview, Cindy L. Grines MD, FACC and Stephen Juraschek, MD, PhD discuss how findings from the GOFRESH trial may be used to improve hypertension management and overall patient care.     Turkson-Ocran RN, Cluett JL, Fitzpatrick SL, et al. Rationale and Design of the Groceries for Black Residents of Boston to Stop Hypertension Among Adults Without Treated Hypertension (GoFresh) Trial. Am J Hypertens. 2023;36(5):256-263. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpad008  Ferro KM, Seager R, McManus K, et al. Nutrition Intervention of Groceries for Black Residents of Boston to Stop Hypertension (GoFresh) Among Adults With or Without Treated Hypertension Trial: Rationale, Design, and Evidence to Promote Implementation. Preprint. Res Sq. 2025;rs.3.rs-6222158. Published 2025 Jul 7. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-6222158/v1 

The OCEAN Trial found that rivaroxaban did not significantly reduce the incidence of stroke, systemic embolism, or new covert embolic events compared with aspirin in patients at high risk for stroke who had undergone catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib) at least one year earlier. The central question—whether patients with a successful AFib ablation can safely discontinue anticoagulation—remains unresolved. Overall, the trial reinforces the importance of individualized risk assessment rather than routine discontinuation of anticoagulation after ablation.  In this interview, Thomas F. Deering MD, FACC and Atul Verma, MD FACC discuss the "OCEAN Trial: Antithrombotic Therapy after Successful Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation". 

What exactly is incidental coronary artery calcification, and what does it mean when artificial intelligence identifies these calcifications? Incidental coronary artery calcification refers to calcium deposits in the coronary arteries that are detected on imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons. AI now enables clinicians to repurpose routine clinical images to efficiently and scalably assess an individual's risk of atherosclerotic coronary disease. How best to translate these AI‑driven insights into meaningful changes in patient care, however, remains an important area for continued research and clinical guidance.  In this interview, C. Noel Bairey Merz MD, MACC and Ramzi Dudum MD, FACC discuss the NOTIFY-PICTURE Trial: Effects of Real-Time Notification of AI-Detected Incidental Coronary Artery Calcium on Statin Prescription. 

The VESALIUS‑CV trial demonstrated that adding the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab to optimized lipid‑lowering therapy significantly reduced the risk of first major cardiovascular events by 25% in high‑risk adults without prior heart attack or stroke and cut the risk of first heart attack by 36%. These results confirm that intensive LDL‑C lowering with evolocumab provides meaningful primary‑prevention benefits in patients with atherosclerosis or diabetes, achieving substantial event reduction over more than four years of follow‑up.  In this interview, Nanette Kass Wenger MD, MACC and Erin A. Bohula, MD, FACC discuss the VESALIUS-CV Trial: Effect of Evolocumab in Patients at CV Risk without Prior MI or Stroke. 

Is the evidence convincing that intensive antihypertensive therapy protects brain function and helps prevent dementia? Research increasingly shows that high mid‑life blood pressure is a strong predictor of later cognitive decline. Emerging data further indicate that intensive blood‑pressure lowering can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia while remaining safe for many older adults.  In this interview, Glenn A. Hirsch MD, MHS, FACC and Paul K Whelton, MB, MD, MSc discuss "Hypertension Treatment Trials in the Elderly for Brain Health". 

In patients with Type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), tirzepatide was non‑inferior to dulaglutide for major cardiovascular events while providing superior kidney protection, lower all‑cause mortality, and greater reductions in HbA1c and body weight. Compared with dulaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide demonstrated broader metabolic and clinical benefits. By using dulaglutide as the active comparator rather than a placebo, the trial demonstrated tirzepatide's strong cardiovascular and metabolic profile, supporting its potential for broader use beyond diabetes management.  In this interview, Dipti Itchhaporia MD, MACC and Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD, FACC discuss the SURPASS-CVOT Trial (Effect of Tirzepatide Versus Dulaglutide on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events).   

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring provides important prognostic value, particularly for individuals at intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) or those with a family history of the condition. Incorporating computed tomography calcium scoring into a structured disease‑management program may help prevent the progression of coronary plaque, although this strategy has not yet been evaluated in a randomized trial.  In this interview, Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC and Dr Nitesh Nerlekar, MBBS, PHD discuss the CAUGHT-CAD Randomized Trial: Effects of Combining Coronary Calcium Score with Treatment on Plaque Progression in Familial CAD". 

AI technology transforms routine chest computed tomography (CT) scans by precisely quantifying—rather than simply detecting—key cardiovascular imaging risk factors such as heart calcification, aorta calcification, and fat around the heart. By shifting from binary "yes or no" findings to actual measurement, clinicians can more accurately identify high‑risk patients and intervene earlier to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Patients with these imaging risk factors who were already using preventive therapies like statins and aspirin showed lower cardiovascular risk, suggesting the need for larger longitudinal studies to clarify how quantified imaging markers interact with these medications over time.  In this interview, Deepak L. Bhatt MD, FACC and Tzung-Dau Wang, MD, PhD discuss "AI-Enabled Nationwide Opportunistic Screening of Non-Contrast Chest CT for Death and CV Outcomes".