The Spring conference from Cardiometabolic Health Congress (CMHC) continued on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. Taming the Flames: Inflammation in Cardiometabolic Disease, focused on practical approaches to identify and address inflammation as well as how to optimize guideline-directed care for patients with cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors.
8:oo a.m. EDT — Welcome and introduction from CMHC chairperson Pamela B. Morris, MD, medical director of Duke University’s Center for Living and consultant to Mayo Clinic’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic. Dr. Morris introduced the second and final day of the conference, with sessions focused on the role of inflammation on hypertension, lipids, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease.
8:05 a.m. EDT — Inflammation and hypertension: Novel mechanistic insights was presented by George L. Bakris, MD, exploring the link between inflammation and blood pressure as demonstrated by mechanistic and basic studies. This relationship has implications for current and future hypertension treatment. The crucial role inflammation plays in the development of hypertension has led not only to a greater understanding of the connection between inflammation and chronic disease but also for the identification of novel targets, particularly for resistant hypertension. Dr Bakris said additional pharmacotherapy is needed and overviewed several key agents in development.
“Resistant hypertension is much more prevalent now, and there is one explanation for it — the increase in obesity rates.” – Dr. Bakris
8:25 a.m. EDT — Lipoproteins and inflammation – Focus on LDL, Lp(a) and TG rich lipoproteins and new therapies in development explored lipid accumulation and resulting inflammation in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Christie M. Ballantyne, MD, presented evidence that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a) among others, play a crucial role in the development and progression of ASCVD. Because the the lipid-lowering field is constantly changing, Dr. Ballantyne pointed to several new and emerging targeted therapies. CMHC co-chair Christie Ballantyne overviewed how lipoprotein a, or Lp(a), contributes to increasing CVD risk, and how our current available therapies are not sufficient to address residual Lp(a) risk. He reviewed important therapies for Lp(a) lowering that are in development and may address these gaps in the near future.
8:50 a.m. EDT — Obesity, inflammation and cardiovascular risk presented the strong link between chronic inflammation and obesity, both risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events. Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS, n recent years, significant progress has been made in the treatment of obesity, including the approval of semaglutide 2.4mg and the potential approval of tirzepatide, which have been shown to not only lower body weight, but also reduce inflammatory and cardiometabolic risk. This session will overview some of these connections and the newer tools to address obesity, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.
“Obesity as a disease is residing in our realm and we health care providers don’t have to ignore it.” – Dr. Michos
9:15 a.m. EDT — Expert panel discussion and Q&A welcomed all the morning’s presenters to the stage for discussion and debate moderated by Dr. Eckel. The panel discussed the topics presented thus far, and then took some of the audience members’ questions regarding specific applications of these insights into their clinical practices. During the discussion, Dr. Eckel emphasized that obtaining a careful initial history assessment paired with best individualized treatment is crucial for weight management. Dr. Michos, commenting on the challenge of managing the chronic, relapsing disease of obesity, said “80% of people who lose 5% of their weight regain it in five years”
11 a.m. EDT — PME lunch symposium, sponsored by AstraZeneca, was titled A Treatment Option for Patients with Heart Failure and led by AstraZeneca field medical director Victor N. Howard, MD.
12 p.m. EDT — Exhibit hall break, where attendees learned about practice-enhancing solutions designed by industry brand leaders. The exhibit hall is one of attendees’ favorite networking opportunities at CMHC events because they are informed on the latest clinical innovations from both established and up-and-coming brands. The exhibit hall is also where happy hours and giveaways take place after the educational sessions close each conference day.
1:00 p.m. EDT — Introductions for the afternoon session were made by distinguished CMHC faculty member Robert H. Eckel, MD.
1 p.m. EDT — Is there a role of inflammation in type 2 diabetes pathogenesis? Sam Dagogo-Jack, MD, MBA, overviewed the environmental risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes, highlighting the role of inflammation and beyond.
1:25 p.m. EDT — CKD, T2DM and inflammation: Pathogenesis and more welcomed Rajiv Agarwal, MD, MS, to discuss the four pillars of treatment for cardiorenal protection in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. He emphasized the importance of assessing both estimate globular filtration rate and albuminuria for the assessment and diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
1:50 p.m. EDT — Prevention, screening and treatment of chronic kidney disease, led by Jennifer B. Green, MD, overviewed the major trials in chronic kidney disease and discussed how newer therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists like finerenone, fit into the treatment landscape for chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
2:15 p.m. EDT — Expert panel discussion and Q&A rounded out the conference sessions, as Dr. Eckel welcomed the expert faculty who led the afternoon sessions back to the stage to tackle some complex patient cases, discuss emerging treatment outlooks, and field compelling and challenging questions from the audience of providers.
Thank you to all the attendees, faculty presenters, CMHC staff, and staff of the Gaylord Palms for making Taming the Flames: Inflammation in Cardiometabolic Disease such as success! Stay tuned to our emails and subscribe to the Monthly Beat Newsletter for upcoming events, breaking news and virtual educational offerings.
