Ohio-ACC Newsletter, March 2025

Dear Ohio-ACC Colleague,

Spring Summit on May 3rd

It is my pleasure to invite you to the Ohio-ACC Spring Summit & Carl J. Wiggers Memorial Lecture on Saturday, May 3, at the Cleveland Marriott East. Our co-chairs Ashish Aneja, MD, FACC, and Kelly Bartsch, PharmD, BCPS, CLS, AACC, have collaborated with the planning committee to create an excellent scientific session, including our featured Carl J. Wiggers Memorial lecturer, Matthew Martinez, MD, FACC who will deliver the lectureThe Current Diagnosis and Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the Era of Myosin Kinase Inhibitors.

Highlights of the Meeting

• Left Atrial Appendage Closure (8:00-8:45 AM) features Dr. Matthew Henn discussing surgical management insights from LAAOS III, followed by Dr. Ohad Ziv presenting real-world findings from the SURPASS study on antithrombotic regimens. Dr. Timothy Byrnes will moderate the Q&A session.
• Complex Vascular Disease Management (8:45-9:30 AM) spotlights Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor exploring the management of combined carotid and severe CAD, while Dr. Heather Gornik covers updates to PAD guidelines. Dr. Hemindermeet Singh will lead the discussion period.
• Protecting Special Populations (10:00-10:45 AM) addresses crucial healthcare concerns with Dr. Deirdre Mattina presenting strategies for reducing maternal mortality through perinatal blood pressure management, and Dr. Heba Wassif examining how rheumatology treatments affect cardiac health. Dr. Brianna French moderates.
• Clinical Innovations (10:45-11:45 AM) concludes the program with Eryn Bryant showcasing OSU's Heart Function Wellness Clinic, followed by presentations on 2024's most impactful clinical trials: DANGER SHOCK (Dr. Butt), FINEARTS (Dr. Chow), and SUMMIT (Dr. Sreepathy), with Dr. Claire Sullivan moderating this forward-looking session.

CV Team Poster Presentation Opportunity There will be a CV Team Poster Presentation opportunity at this meeting! Ohio CV team clinicians (non-physician clinicians – RN, NP, CNS, PA, PharmD) are invited to submit a case or research. The deadline for submissions is April 3. Get complete details here..

Ohio-ACC Legislative Day

You are cordially invited to join the Ohio-ACC for a special legislative day in Columbus, on May 13th with a kick-off dinner on May 12th. This will be a day of visiting your Ohio representatives and senators to introduce them to cardiology issues facing you and your patients. Building relationships with your state lawmakers will help ensure that the Ohio General Assembly remains informed of issues facing clinicians and patients. There is no charge for the event, and appointments with your lawmakers will be made for you. Parking will be validated. 

Get complete details here.

Issues that we have advocated for in the past that have become law include: raising the age to purchase cigarettes, other tobacco products, and alternative nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and vaping products from 18 to 21; Lindsay's Law which informs and educates students and youth athletes participating in or desiring to participate in athletic activity, their parents, and their coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest; and vital telehealth legislation. Your participation makes a difference!

Travel Stipends Available

A limited number of Ohio-ACC Legislative Day travel stipends are available on a first-come, first-served basis, which includes overnight accommodations for May 12 and parking. Contact ohioacc@gmail.com for this opportunity.

ABMS Denies House of Cardiology's Application to Create the American Board of CV Medicine

The American Board of Medical Specialties has denied the application put forth by the ACC, American Heart Association (AHA), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) to create a new, independent American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCVM).

"We are deeply disappointed with the American Board of Medical Specialties' decision not to approve the American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine as a new, independent board for cardiology," said ABCVM Chair Jeffrey Kuvin, MD. "We feel strongly that the ABCVM met all the criteria required for a new Board, including aligning with the rigorous, recently updated ABMS 'Standards for Continuing Certification' and garnering widespread support from the cardiovascular community." Read more.

Contact Us

If Gwen Goldfarb, our chapter executive, or I can be of assistance to you, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Ellen

Call for Abstracts: Spring Summit 2025

Please submit your case reports and research for the Ohio-ACC Spring Summit on May 3, 2025! This is an excellent opportunity for you to present in an informal setting as well as network with colleagues from across the state. Here is complete information for you. The deadline for submission is April 3, 2025. We hope to see you (and your poster) in Cleveland!

CV Team Section Townhall- March 12, 2025  

Please join the ACC Cardiovascular Team Section for a townhall meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 7:30pm. We will share a 2024 wrap up, 2025 future plans, what to expect at ACC.25, and Q&A. Register here. 

ACC.25 CV Team Section Breakfast- March 30, 2025 

Join the CV Team Section for breakfast and networking in person at ACC.25 in Chicago, IL! Breakfast will be held in the Lounge and Learn Pavillion, Meet Up Zone 2 from 7-8:30am ET on Sunday, March 30, 2025. RSVP here.

Ohio-ACC Fellow Grand Round Series

The Ohio-ACC FIT 2024-25 Grand Round Series Step into The Future is underway. Topics so far have included Engineering the Aortic Valve, Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology, and Smart Wearable Technology in Cardiovascular Care. If you missed any of the past sessions, you can view them here. Stay tuned for the next one at noon on March 20th: Advancing Interventional and Investigational Therapies for Heart Failure. Register here.

Apply to Serve on the Ohio-ACC FIT Council

Represent your training institution as a member of the Ohio-ACC Fellow in Training Council. Share your ideas, network with colleagues, and get involved with the Ohio-ACC. Applications are now being accepted. The application deadline is April 15.

Steps:

1. Please complete the application.

2. Have your program director or an Ohio-ACC Board Member send a letter of support to ohioacc@gmail.com by April 15.

Cardiovascular Promise of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Diabetes Management

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are emerging as a promising class of medications in cardiology as their benefits have extended beyond glycemic control.^1,2 Cardiovascular outcome trials have shown that GLP-1RAs reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to placebo.^3,4 Their multifaceted cardiovascular effects include promoting myocardial glucose uptake, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.⁵ Additionally, GLP-1RAs contribute to weight loss and limit atherosclerosis, further solidifying their importance in reducing cardiovascular risk. These effects are mediated through the GLP-1 receptor, which is expressed in various cardiovascular cell types, including cardiomyocytes and blood vessels.^1,6

Currently, FDA-approved indications for GLP-1RAs include type 2 diabetes and weight management. Specific medications include semaglutide (Wegovy for weight management, Ozempic for diabetes), tirzepatide (Zepbound for weight management, Mounjaro for diabetes), dulaglutide (Trulicity for diabetes), and liraglutide (Saxenda for weight management, Victoza for diabetes). However, recent developments suggest a potential expansion of their use in cardiovascular medicine. On March 8, 2024, Wegovy (semaglutide) received FDA approval for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease who are either obese or overweight.⁷ This approval marks a significant milestone in recognizing the direct cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1RAs beyond their effects on diabetes and weight management. Table 1 presents key studies demonstrating the efficacy of GLP-1RAs in reducing cardiovascular events. These studies provide substantial evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits associated with this class of medications.

Multiple studies are underway to assess the safety and utility of GLP-1RA drugs for various conditions, including heart failure.⁸ GLP-1RAs have shown promise in preventing hospitalization for new-onset heart failure and reducing symptoms in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While there's no definitive indication of an imminent FDA approval for heart failure, ongoing research and clinical trials may provide more evidence for potential future indications in specific heart failure populations, particularly in HFpEF. ^14,15 Table 2 presents studies that demonstrate the benefits of GLP-1RAs in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Despite their potential benefits, affordability remains a significant barrier to GLP-1RA use. 1 in 8 US adults has tried injectable GLP-1RA drugs, but 54% of users express difficulty covering the costs, even with insurance. Coverage varies depending on the type of insurance, with most private plans and Medicare Part D covering GLP-1RAs for diabetes treatment. Medicaid coverage is mandatory for FDA-approved GLP-1RAs to treat type 2 diabetes. However, coverage for weight loss or obesity management is often more limited or non-existent.⁷

Overall, GLP-1RAs have proven to be beneficial in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular health. As research continues, the role of GLP-1RAs in cardiology is likely to expand, potentially offering new treatment options for patients with cardiovascular disease and related comorbidities, such as heart failure. Healthcare providers should strongly consider a GLP-1RA in diabetic or obese treatment if they have a comorbidity of heart failure or cardiovascular disease.^8,9,10

References:

1. Peric S, Stojkovic T, Lalic NM. The benefits of GLP1 receptors in cardiovascular diseases. World J Diabetes. 2023 Dec 15;14(12):1729-1741.
2. American College of Cardiology. GLP1RAs in Clinical Practice: Therapeutic Advances and Safety Considerations. ACC.org. 2024 Apr 15.
3. Tsimikas S, Rizzo M. Cardiovascular Protective Properties of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. J Clin Med. 2024 Aug 9;13(16):4674.
4. Harris E. Semaglutide Improved Cardiovascular Health in People Without Diabetes. JAMA. 2023 Dec 19;330(23):2241-2242.
5. American Heart Association. Assessing the Benefits of GLP-1 RAs. Professional Heart Daily. 2024.
6. Drucker DJ, Doria A, Newgard CB, Bhatt DL. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for the Reduction of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Circulation. 2022 Dec 13;146(24):1830-1843.
7. Kaiser Family Foundation. KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public's Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs [Internet]. San Francisco: KFF; 2024 May 10 [cited 2025 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/[4]

CardiOhio Podcast

Please take a moment to subscribe to the Ohio-ACC CardiOhio Podcast. Simply copy and paste this URL into the podcast app of your choice, or click here to view in Apple podcasts. These 30-minute audio podcasts are designed to provide practical management tips for our providers. We hope that you will find this information useful for your practice.

Episode 22

Beyond Statins: A Practical Plan to Incorporate the New Lipid Agents

Please join our special guest, Dr. Benjamin Romer from The Ohio State University, as we address the current state of lipid therapy in both primary and secondary prevention patients. He addresses a practical approach to the issue of statin intolerance, then reviews the newer agents including ezetimide and bempedoic acid, as well as the newer percutaneous agents, with a focus on practical tips for implementation. We wrap up with a discussion on the role of coronary calcium scoring to guide therapeutic decisions in select patients.

Episode 21

Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes - Unique Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

Join our special guests, Drs. Auroa Badin and Bradley Lander, as we discuss the case of an elite professional athlete found to have atrial fibrillation. We discuss the challenges regarding anticoagulation, medical therapy, and the role of monitoring for burden of arrhythmia in these patients. Finally, we review the role of definitive ablation, including the shared decision-making process.

Episode 20

Cardio-Obstetrics: Pearls for Every Cardiac Practitioner

Join our special guests, Drs. Lauren Lastinger from The Ohio State University and Sharon Roble from OhioHealth, as we review common issues in cardio-obstetrics for the cardiac practitioner. We will review pearls for managing common cardiovascular conditions during pregnancy, evaluation of cardiac symptoms during pregnancy, common medication pitfalls, and new concepts in peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Episode 19

The New Obesity Drugs: What Cardiac Practitioners Need to Know

Dr. Ian Neeland from University Hospitals in Cleveland

Episode 18

All about FMD and SCAD, with Dr. Heather Gornik

Drs. Heather Gornik and Ellen Sabik, both from University Hospitals of Cleveland

Episode 17

Acute Heart Failure: New Therapies, New Devices, and Management Pearls

Drs. Ankit Bhatia and Gregory F. Egnaczyk, both from The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati

Join Voices for Cardiovascular Research

JACC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are teaming up to give cardiovascular (CV) clinicians a voice in shaping national health care and research priorities. Provide your feedback in a brief survey to identify critical questions surrounding FDA-regulated products—drugs, biologics, devices, food, and tobacco—that influence your practice. Help shape the evidence landscape for cardiovascular care, by providing your feedback by April 14! Act now.

Call For Submissions: Featured Impact Speaker at ACC’s 75th Anniversary Gala 

Have you participated in one of ACC’s leadership development programs? Do you have a great story to share about how it impacted you? Submit your story for a chance to be the featured impact speaker at ACC’s 75th Anniversary Gala on Friday, March 28 at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL. As the featured impact speaker, you’ll share the stage with ACC leaders, renowned cardiologists and key supporters from across the cardiovascular community. To be considered, record a short video that showcases your story. The chosen impact speaker will receive a complimentary seat at the Gala and travel expenses up to $1,500. Submissions are due by Monday, Feb. 10. Learn more.  

ACC.25 Crowd-Sourced Session: Private Equity in Cardiology – Can Clinicians and Patients Thrive Here? 

You asked, we listened! Based on ACC member and ACC.25 attendee input, ACC.25, taking place March 29-31, in Chicago, IL, will feature a dynamic session exploring the growing role of private equity in cardiology and its impact on clinicians and patient care. Led by ACC President Cathleen Biga, MS, FACC, and Edward T.A. Fry, MD, MACC, this session brings together top experts to provide key insights into the history of private equity in cardiology, the pros and cons of private equity involvement, and impacts on patient outcomes. Don’t miss this essential conversation on one of the most pressing issues in cardiovascular care today taking place Monday, March 31 at 1 p.m. CT. Add it to your calendar. Plus, don’t miss out on Advance Registration rates before they’re gone. The last day for the reduced rates is Feb. 12.

JACC Leadership Page: Clinical Guidance: Empowering the Profession  

A new JACC Leadership Page by ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC; Ana Barac, MD, PhD, FACC; and Nicole Bhave, MD, FACC, provides an overview of the types of clinical guidance developed by the College, including clinical guidelines, and highlights ongoing efforts to optimize processes, embrace innovative formats and leverage new technologies to enhance content delivery and ensure the ACC “stays ahead of the curve.” Read more. Visit the HeartTalk With Cathie page to listen to the December presidential discussion about the power of clinical guidance. 

WATCH NOW: New ACC Leadership Brief Highlight January BOT Key Takeaways  

ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC, highlights key discussion topics from the recent January Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting in Washington, DC. Top insights include member engagement efforts, strategic plan metrics, sustaining the College’s 75th year legacy, and more. The ACC Leadership Brief video series keeps you connected following each BOT meeting. Watch now

JACC Journal Club: TRILUMINATE and TRISCEND II Results 

The JACC Journal Club invites you to a virtual discussion, Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m. ET, on the 1-year results of the TRILUMINATE and TRISCEND II pivotal trials. Study investigators Gilbert Tang, MD, MSc, MBA, FACC, and Suzanne Arnold, MD, join guest discussants Paul Fiorilli, MD, FACC, and Sajjad Sabir, MD, for an engaging conversation on what their results mean for the future of tricuspid valve interventions. Register here and get caught up on the latest science with the JACC transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions special focus issue. 

CardioSmart is the ACC’s dedicated home for patient tools and resources, including infographics, shared decision-making aids, and more. Find information on specific clinical conditions, health lifestyle choices and more at CardioSmart.org.