A novel ablation and mapping system can toggle between delivering biphasic pulsed field (PF) and radiofrequency energy from a 9-mm lattice-tip catheter. We assessed the preclinical feasibility and safety of (1) focal PF-based thoracic vein isolation and linear ablation, (2) combined PF and radiofrequency focal ablation, and (3) PF delivered directly atop the esophagus.

The causal role of alcohol consumption for cardiovascular disease remains unclear. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to predict the effect of alcohol consumption on 8 cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major contributor of heart transplant recipient mortality. Little is known about the prototypes of CAV trajectories at the population level. We aimed to identify the different evolutionary profiles of CAV and to determine the respective contribution of immune and nonimmune factors in CAV development.

Ventilatory efficiency (minute ventilation required to eliminate carbon dioxide, VE/VCO2) during exercise potently predicts outcomes in advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but its prognostic significance for at-risk individuals with preserved left ventricular systolic function is unclear. We aimed to characterize mechanistic determinants and prognostic implications of VE/VCO2 in a single-center dyspneic referral cohort (MGH-ExS [Massachusetts General Hospital Exercise Study]) and in a large sample of community-dwelling participants in the FHS (Framingham Heart Study).

The FIGHT (Functional Impact of GLP-1 [glucagon-like peptide-1] for Heart Failure Treatment) trial randomized 300 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and a recent hospitalization for heart failure to liraglutide versus placebo. While there was no difference in the primary outcome (rank score of time to death, time to rehospitalization for heart failure, and change in NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide]), there was a significant increase in cystatin C among patients randomized to liraglutide raising concern of adverse renal outcomes. We performed a post hoc analysis of FIGHT to investigate whether liraglutide was associated with worsening renal function (WRF).

Cardio-obstetrics has emerged as an important multidisciplinary field that requires a team approach to the management of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. Cardiac conditions during pregnancy include hypertensive disorders, hypercholesterolemia, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, valvular disease, thromboembolic disease, aortic disease, and cerebrovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States. Advancing maternal age and preexisting comorbid conditions have contributed to the increased rates of maternal mortality. Preconception counseling by the multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics team is essential for women with preexistent cardiac conditions or history of preeclampsia. Early involvement of the cardio-obstetrics team is critical to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality during the length of the pregnancy and 1 year postpartum. A general understanding of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy should be a core knowledge area for all cardiovascular and primary care clinicians. This scientific statement provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy.