ACCEL Lite: Featured ACCEL Interviews on Exciting CV Research

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  Insights From the PVI-SHAM-AF 15.09.2026 13dk

  Catheter ablation is frequently performed to improve quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This randomized multicenter trial compared catheter ablation with a sham procedure to assess the true effect of the intervention on AF-related quality of life.  In this episode, Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MACC and Rolf Wachter, MD discuss the results of "PVI-SHAM-AF: Pulmonary vein isolation versus SHAM in AF".
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  Impacts Of The FUND-HF Trial 08.09.2026 10dk

  The FUND-HF trial found that financial support provided soon after hospitalization is a practical strategy for improving medication adherence among economically vulnerable patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. These results lay the groundwork for future trials designed to examine the durability of these benefits and their effects on health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes.  In this interview, Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and Ambarish Pandey, MD, MS examine the effect of financial support on quality of life and medication adherence among low-income patients following hospitalization for heart failure.  
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  Primordial Prevention of CVD in Young 01.09.2026 11dk

  The future of cardiovascular health depends on prevention that begins early in life. This episode reviews strategies for recognizing cardiovascular risk at an early stage and implementing interventions that can alter the trajectory of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease before complications occur.    In this interview, Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC and Michael J. Blaha MD, MPH discuss Primordial Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in Young. 
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  Umbrella: Cardioprotection During Treatment 25.08.2026 11dk

  Cardiovascular protection during cancer treatment is critical to help prevent complications such as heart failure. Patients should be educated on risk factors, symptom awareness, and heart-healthy behaviors. Oncologists should incorporate cardiovascular risk assessment and surveillance into treatment planning, while general cardiologists should understand the potential cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies and partner closely with oncology teams to support long-term patient health.    In this interview, Dipti Itchhaporia MD, MACC and Ana Barac, MD, PhD, FACC discuss Umbrella: Cardioprotection During Treatment.   
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  No Murmur But Much Fervor: Nonobstructive HCM 18.08.2026 12dk

  Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents one of the greatest areas of unmet need in HCM management. A key question is identifying the primary driver of symptoms in these patients, as many experience significant functional limitations despite the absence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Understanding the rate and mechanisms of heart failure progression in nonobstructive HCM is also critical, given the substantial morbidity associated with the disease. As a result, there is strong interest in novel therapies that may address underlying disease pathology and improve long-term patient outcomes.    In this interview, Matthew Martinez, MD, FACC and Martin Maron, MD examine treatment for nonobstructive HCM. 
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  Evolocumab In Patients Without Significant Atherosclerosis: Results From VESALIUS-CV 11.08.2026 9dk

  The VESALIUS-CV trial demonstrated that the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab significantly reduced the risk of a first major cardiovascular event in patients with diabetes who had no known significant atherosclerosis. These findings challenge current clinical practice, where PCSK9 inhibitors are typically reserved for secondary prevention in patients with prior heart attack or stroke. Importantly, the results support earlier, more proactive lipid-lowering intervention, showing benefit even before overt atherosclerotic disease is evident. This paradigm shift underscores the opportunity to intensify preventive strategies and reduce cardiovascular risk earlier in high-risk populations.    In this interview, Nanette Kass Wenger MD, MACC and Nicholas Marston, MD discuss the VESALIUS-CV Trial.   
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  Why Can't We Prove Revascularization Is Better Than Medical Therapy for SIHD? 04.08.2026 10dk

  Randomized trials in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) show revascularization does not reduce death or myocardial infarction versus guideline-directed medical therapy, with benefit limited to symptom relief. This likely reflects lesion–ischemia mismatch, unclear ischemia origin, effective modern medical therapy, and trial design constraints. As a result, a prognostic advantage is difficult to demonstrate in broad SIHD populations. Exceptions where revascularization may improve outcomes include severe left main disease, significant left ventricle dysfunction, large ischemic burden, and refractory angina.    In this interview, Allen J. Taylor MD, FACC and Sanjay Kaul, MBBS examine 'Why Can't We Prove Revascularization Is Better Than Medical Therapy for SIHD?'   
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  Top Practice-Changing Advancements in Echocardiography Since ACC.25 28.07.2026 10dk

  ecent advancements in echocardiography since ACC.25 highlight a shift toward greater precision, efficiency, and consistency in cardiac imaging. Standardized echo reporting is now recognized as a key marker of quality care, improving communication and supporting more reliable clinical decisions, while artificial intelligence enhances imaging through automated measurements and diagnostic support. Together, these innovations strengthen echocardiography's foundational role in heart disease management by improving accuracy, consistency, and overall patient outcomes.   In this interview, Steven E. Nissen MD, MACC David H. Wiener, MD, FACC discuss practice-changing advancements in echocardiography.  
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  The Case For Medically Tailored Meals 21.07.2026 11dk

  The "Food is Medicine" approach is central to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention because diet directly shapes key risk factors, making nutrition a powerful, modifiable intervention. Medically tailored meals (MTMs) are fully prepared, condition-specific meals prescribed to meet the clinical needs of patients with chronic disease. Evidence shows that MTMs can improve health outcomes, enhance diet quality, and reduce hospitalizations and costs. Together, prescribing food as part of care highlights a scalable strategy to improve individual health and drive meaningful public health impact.    In this interview, Matthew W. Martinez MD, FACC and Laurence S. Sperling, MD, FACC discuss "Prescribing Meals, Not Just Meds: The Case For Medically Tailored Meals". 
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  Managing Subclinical AFib Detected by Devices, Ambulatory Monitors and Wearables 14.07.2026 9dk

  The detection of subclinical, or "silent," atrial fibrillation (AFib) has increased substantially with the widespread use of implantable devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators) and consumer wearables such as smartwatches. A key clinical question is the threshold of cumulative AFib burden—such as duration identified on device interrogation—at which anticoagulation should be considered. Additionally, clinicians should consider when consumer wearable rhythm monitoring is appropriate, such as in patients with symptoms or elevated stroke risk. Best practices are needed to guide counseling and management of patients with subclinical AFib, including when to initiate stroke and systemic embolism prevention strategies.  In this interview, W. Douglas Weaver MD, MACC and Deepak Bhakta, MD, MBA, FACC discuss managing subclinical AFib detected by devices, ambulatory monitors and wearables. 
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  Cardiorenal Outcomes with Tirzepatide Compared with Dulaglutide in Patients with Diabetes and CVD 07.07.2026 10dk

  Is tirzepatide associated with a broader reduction in cardiorenal adverse outcomes compared with dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD? The SURPASS-CVOT, the first cardiovascular outcomes trial using an active incretin-based comparator, previously demonstrated that tirzepatide was noninferior to dulaglutide for major adverse cardiovascular events, including CV death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. A current analysis expands these findings by examining a wider spectrum of adverse events to further characterize the comparative cardiorenal effects of tirzepatide.    In this interview, Matthew Martinez, MD, FACC and Steven E. Nissen, MD, MACC examine the SURPASS-CVOT Randomized Clinical Trial. 
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  Impact Of Ivabradine in Post-COVID POTS: The Recover-Autonomic Trial 30.06.2026 13dk

  The Recover-Autonomic Trial evaluates the impact of ivabradine on orthostatic intolerance, quality of life, and heart rate in patients with post-COVID postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Recognizing that POTS disproportionately affects women, the study addresses a growing clinical need for targeted management strategies in this population. It examines ivabradine as part of a broader treatment approach that combines pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modifications, which together are associated with improved patient outcomes. The trial aims to inform more effective, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing persistent autonomic dysfunction following COVID-19.  In this interview, Thomas F. Deering, MD, FACC and Pam Taub, MD, FACC discuss the Recover-Autonomic Trial. 
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  Prehospital Heparin Administration In Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI 23.06.2026 6dk

  Prehospital heparin administration in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) offers a practical strategy to facilitate early restoration of blood flow in the infarct-related artery before hospital arrival. A key advantage of heparin over other agents studied for this purpose is its low cost, widespread availability, and well-established safety profile, making it highly accessible in diverse care settings. By initiating anticoagulation early, this approach aims to support reperfusion without introducing additional harm. Given these benefits, it has strong potential for translation into routine clinical practice, particularly in systems focused on rapid, prehospital STEMI care.    In this interview, Kim Allan Williams Sr., MD, MACC and Misa Fister, MD, PhD examine 'Prehospital Heparin Administration In Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI'. 
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  Definitions and Treatment of Iron Deficiency in HF: Feel and Function or More? 16.06.2026 13dk

  Iron deficiency (ID) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and is independently associated with poorer functional status, higher hospitalization rates, and increased mortality. ID in HF is typically defined by abnormal iron indices—most commonly low ferritin and/or low transferrin saturation—and is distinct from anemia, as it may be present even when hemoglobin levels are normal. A growing body of randomized clinical trials demonstrates that treating ID, particularly with intravenous iron, improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life, with emerging evidence for reductions in HF hospitalizations.  In this interview, Clyde W. Yancy MD, MACC and Robert J. Mentz, MD, FACC examine definitions and treatment of ID in HF.
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  Key Take-Home Messages From the 2025 Sports Cardiology Guidelines 09.06.2026 11dk

  There is increasing emphasis on shared decision-making when evaluating sports participation for competitive athletes with cardiovascular disease, reflecting a shift toward more individualized care. This approach recognizes that participation decisions should integrate clinical risk assessment with the athlete's values, goals, and informed preferences. Current guidelines aim to thoughtfully balance the potential cardiovascular risks of intense exercise with its well-established benefits for health, performance, and quality of life.   In this interview, Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and Aaron Baggish, MD, FACC examine the latest sports cardiology guidelines.   
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  Insights From the CADENCE Trial 02.06.2026 12dk

  In the CADENCE proof-of-concept study, sotatercept demonstrated meaningful improvements in pulmonary vascular and cardiac hemodynamics in patients with combined pre‑ and post‑capillary pulmonary hypertension due to HFpEF (CpcPH‑HFpEF). Investigators selected a pulmonary vascular resistance threshold of ≥4 Wood units to enrich patients with a significant pre‑capillary component, where targeting pulmonary vascular disease was most biologically relevant. Given that CpcPH‑HFpEF—including valvular‑associated HFpEF—is underdiagnosed, associated with worse prognosis, and has no approved therapies, these findings suggest potential broader applicability pending further study.  In this interview, Clyde W. Yancy MD, MACC and Mardi Gomberg-Maitland, MD, MSc, FACC discuss the CADENCE Trial (Efficacy And Safety Of Sotatercept In Combined Post-and Pre-capillary Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction).
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  A Look At The ORBITA-CTO Trial 26.05.2026 12dk

  The ORBITA-CTO trial was a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded study that enrolled 50 patients with symptomatic single-vessel chronic total occlusion (CTO) and no bystander coronary disease. Participants were assigned to either CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or a placebo procedure. The results demonstrated that PCI with angioplasty and stenting led to greater improvement in angina symptoms compared with placebo. These findings provide strong evidence that CTO PCI can effectively reduce anginal pain and improve quality of life for patients with chronic total occlusions.   In this interview, Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC and John Davies, MBBS, PhD evaluate the ORBITA-CTO Trial. 
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  THRIVE Food is Medicine Pilot Trial: Addressing Hypertension Through Produce Prescriptions 19.05.2026 16dk

  The American Heart Association–funded THRIVE Food is Medicine pilot trial demonstrated strong promise in addressing hypertension through produce prescriptions. Participants in the intervention arm with high adherence to the DASH diet experienced an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 13 mmHg, a clinically meaningful improvement. The program showed high acceptability and sustainability potential, with participants asking, "When does Phase 2 start?" By integrating produce prescriptions, personalized dietitian coaching, weekly adaptive messaging, and community resource navigation, THRIVE improved dietary quality, nutrition security, and blood pressure outcomes. In this episode, Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and Bunmi Ogungbe, BSN, MPH, PhD discuss "THRIVE Food is Medicine Pilot Trial: Addressing Hypertension through Produce Prescriptions".
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  Inflammation in CVD: A 2025 ACC Scientific Statement 12.05.2026 10dk

  Inflammation has emerged as a critical contributor to the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with growing evidence highlighting the prognostic relevance of residual inflammatory risk. Notably, residual inflammation measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) remains a strong predictor of recurrent cardiovascular events, supporting the case for more universal CRP screening. Despite advances such as interleukin‑6–targeted therapies, implementation remains limited, as clinicians are unlikely to treat what they do not routinely measure. Addressing current gaps in inflammatory risk assessment presents both a challenge and an opportunity to better personalize CVD prevention and treatment strategies.   In this interview, W. Douglas Weaver MD, MACC and Paul M. Ridker, MD, MPH, FACC discuss Inflammation in CVD: A 2025 ACC Scientific Statement.  
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  Lower LDL-C for Longer? Defining the Optimal Timing and Intensity of Rx 05.05.2026 11dk

  Should statin therapy be routinely initiated in middle‑aged adults with at least one atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factor and LDL‑C levels above 100 mg/dL? Observational data consistently shows that lower LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels are associated with substantially reduced risks of atherosclerotic vascular disease. In the absence of randomized trial data in younger and middle-aged adults with low 10–30‑year risk, the role of additional risk stratification tools—such as hsCRP and coronary artery calcium scoring—becomes critical in guiding individualized decisions about when to begin lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy.  In this interview, William E. Boden MD, FACC and Roger S. Blumenthal, MD, FACC discuss 'Lower LDL-C for Longer? Defining the Optimal Timing and Intensity of Rx'.