Cardiology Digest #2: Late-Breaking Trials: Unpacking the Mediterranean Diet, Statin Inequalities, CRT Findings, and Cardio Stalemate

In this episode, we dive deep into four intriguing studies:

STUDY #1: First, we'll explore how the Mediterranean diet can work wonders for your heart, and how a simple low-fat diet may offer similar benefits. Can both diets really reduce mortality in patients at increased risk? Tune in to find out!

Karam G et al. Comparison of seven popular structured dietary programmes and risk of mortality and major cardiovascular events in patients at increased cardiovascular risk: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ 2023 Mar 29; 380:e072003. (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072003)

STUDY #2: Next, we'll unravel the mystery behind the low statin use for primary prevention of ASCVD among all race and ethnicity groups, with Black and Hispanic adults being the least likely to receive them. Why is this happening, and what can we do about it? 💊

Jacobs JA et al. Prevalence of statin use for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by race, ethnicity, and 10-year disease risk in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013 to March 2020. JAMA Cardiol 2023 Mar 22; [e-pub]. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2023.0228)

STUDY #3: Third, we'll talk about a meta-analysis that redefines which patients benefit from CRT and which don't. Brace yourself for some practice-changing revelations as we discuss LBBB, IVCD, and the magic number: 150 ms QRS duration. ⚡

Friedman DJ et al. Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves outcomes in patients with intraventricular conduction delay but not right bundle branch block: A patient-level meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Circulation 2023 Mar 7; 147:812. (https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.062124)

STUDY #4: Lastly, we'll touch on the alarming decline in U.S. life expectancy, especially for young and middle-aged adults. Heart disease is on the rise, and it's high time we focus on preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) early in life. 🚨

Aggarwal R et al. Cardiovascular risk factor prevalence, treatment, and control in US Adults aged 20 to 44 years, 2009 to Mar 2020. JAMA 2023 Mar 5; [e-pub]. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.2307)

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge and insights into cardiovascular health. So grab your headphones and get ready to be enlightened! Join us as we navigate these captivating studies and uncover the secrets to a healthier heart. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and make a difference in patients' lives. 

00:06 - Intro
01:37 - Benefits of Mediterranean and Low-fat diets
03:17 - Low use of statins and disparities across races/ethnicities
05:49 - Cardiac resynchronization therapy and triple therapy for atrial fibrillation patients
09:19 - Worsening cardiovascular risk factors in young Americans

Benefits of Mediterranean and Low Fat Diets: "Research shows that consuming a Mediterranean or low-fat diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30%."

Healthy Eating: "This study adds to the growing evidence that a Mediterranean diet with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, fish and monounsaturated fats can positively impact cardiovascular health. This analysis is a great reminder that our diets play a crucial role in our overall health."

Disparities in Statin Use for ASCVD Prevention: "These data highlight the ongoing disparities in ASCVD prevention and the need for healthcare providers to be aware of and address the underutilization of statins among those who may benefit the most."

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: "Only those with QRS duration of equal to or greater than 150 milliseconds and either left bundle branch block or intraventricular conduction delay benefited from CRT, but not those with right bundle branch block."

Health Alert: "Prevalence of diabetes increased from 3% to 4.1%, while the percentage of young adults classed as obese rose from 32.7% to 40.9%."