The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024 (August 30 – September 2, 2024) has wrapped up, delivering groundbreaking insights into cardiovascular diseases and related conditions. Below are some of the most notable highlights:
2024 ESC Updated Clinical Guidelines: Key updates include clopidogrel as a first-line option for long-term use after MI or PCI. New guidelines also:
Classify “Elevated BP” between non-elevated BP and hypertension.
Measuring eGFR and albuminuria is recommended for assessing kidney disease in all hypertensive patients.
Advise increased potassium intake for hypertensive patients.
Suggest using MRAs before beta-blockers in cases of resistant hypertension.
Explore 2024 ESC Updated Guidelines here.
INFINITY-SWEDEHEART Trial: This randomized controlled trial, developed by Elixir Medical, compared the DynamX® Coronary Bioadaptor System with the Resolute Onyx™ drug-eluting stent. It met its primary endpoint of target lesion failure non-inferiority at 12 months (DynamX®: 2.35% vs. Resolute Onyx™: 2.77%, p<0.001), presented as a late-breaking Hot Line session. Read the press release.
ISCP & ESC Joint Session: The International Society of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy (ISCP) highlighted promising new cardiovascular drugs, including myotropic agents, such as Omecamtiv Mecarbil, targeted antiarrhythmics, RNA-based therapies, and biologics for dyslipidemia.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Hasan Ahmad Khasawneh’s (Jordan) systematic review of Treprostinil safety in PAH patients revealed no significant increase in mortality, though adverse events were more frequent.
Conduction System Pacing Versus Biventricular Pacing Debate: Dr. Jacqueline Joza (Canada) advocated for Conduction System Pacing (CSP) as a replacement for cardiac resynchronization, arguing that Biventricular Pacing (BiVP) does not fully correct the conduction impairment caused by RV pacing. On the other hand, Dr. Kevin Vernooy (Netherlands), citing the MELOS study, raised concerns about the broad applicability of CSP. This debate underscored the growing role of CSP despite the current limited evidence supporting it.
Kawasaki Disease Case: Angela Khidhir, DO, MSc (USA) presented a compelling case on ACS and tamponade potentially linked to Kawasaki disease-related Coronary Artery Aneurysm.
Endocarditis Teams: Alexis Coulis, MD (USA) presented data from Temple Health emphasizing the critical role of multidisciplinary endocarditis teams in managing patients who inject drugs, highlighting the collaborative approach needed for successful outcomes. Watch here!
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Marco Bernardi, MD’s (Italy) presentation on cardiovascular complications in APS among older adults emphasized the challenges of current therapies and the need for safer treatments and new diagnostic biomarkers.
REVERSE-FLOW Trial: Prof. Dr. Ingel Eitel (Germany) presented the randomized REVERSE-FLOW trial as Late Breaking Science. The key finding showed that bailout GP IIb/IIIa inhibition in AMI patients with angiographic microvascular obstruction (MVO) did not reduce the primary endpoint (infarct size) but decreased CMR-derived MVO. However, it also led to an increase in non-fatal bleeding events. Read the published findings here.
Updated Mayo Clinic HCM Genotype Predictor Score: Iuri Ferreira Felix, MD (USA) presented the updated Mayo Clinic HCM Genotype Predictor Score, a valuable screening tool for identifying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with a high likelihood of testing positive for genetic mutations.
Brugada Syndrome Monitoring in Youth: Marco Bergonti, MD, PhD, (Switzerland ) presented a study on implanted loop recorders (ILRs) in children and adolescents with Brugada Syndrome (BrS). ILRs detected various arrhythmias, with ventricular arrhythmias linked to spontaneous type 1 ECGs and fever. Bradyarrhythmias and atrial arrhythmias, common even in young patients, caused arrhythmic syncope in 60% of cases. ILRs may benefit BrS patients with unexplained syncope. Read the published study.
APPROACH-IS II First Findings: Prof. Philip Moons (Belgium) presented the first results showing that patient-reported outcomes (PROs) vary significantly across different heart defects, and anatomical complexity is a poor predictor of PROs.
ARIES-HM3 Subgroup Analysis: Nir Uriel, MD (USA) presented findings from a subgroup analysis of ARIES-HM3, showing that avoiding aspirin in newly implanted HeartMate 3 LVAD patients with atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and obesity significantly reduces non-surgical bleeding events at one year while maintaining safety.
Mitral Valve Assessment Workshop: Corrado Fiore, MD (Italy), led a GE Healthcare-sponsored workshop on mitral valve assessment, featuring live echocardiogram scanning and hands-on sessions that guided participants from anatomical understanding to full diagnosis.
Memorial Lecture for Dr. Alain Cribier: Prof. Helene Eltchaninoff, MD (France) honored Dr. Cribier’s pioneering TAVI work, highlighting his prototypes, including using sail cloth.
FINEARTS Trial: Prof. Scott D. Solomon, MD and Muthiah Vaduganathan, MD, MPH (USA) presented results showing that finerenone significantly reduced heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death in patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF.
Young Investigator Award on Imaging: Drs. Neil Craig, Holly Morgan (United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland), Alexandre Unger (Belgium), and Marat Yafasov (Denmark) won for their work on imaging activated fibroblasts in calcific nodules.
TAVI vs. SAVR in Women (RHEIA Trial): This dedicated RCT comparing TAVI and SAVR in women found that TAVI was superior to SAVR at 1 year, with fewer rehospitalizations. However, there was no difference in mortality.
Building on the momentum of the ESC Congress 2024, the upcoming 19th Annual Cardiometabolic Health Congress (CMHC) promises an intimate gathering of healthcare professionals. Set for October 17-19, 2024, in Boston, MA, this premier medical education conference offers a unique opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with leading cardiometabolic experts.
Attendees will have the chance to personally interact with renowned figures like Drs. Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS, FACC, FAHA, FASE, FASPC, Martha Gulati, MD, MS, FACC, FAHA, FASPC, FESC, Jose C. Florez, MD, PhD, gaining invaluable insights beyond what’s presented in formal sessions. Join us at the 19th Annual CMHC for late-breaking trial data and industry updates!
