• Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast

  • By: CardioNerds
  • Podcast

Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast

By: CardioNerds
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to CardioNerds, where we bring you in-depth discussions with leading experts, case reports, and updates on the latest advancements in the world of cardiology. Tune in to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and become a true CardioNerd!
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Episodes
  • 414. Case Report: Got Milky Blood? Hypertriglyceridemia Unveiled in a Case of Abdominal Pain – National Lipid Association

    414. Case Report: Got Milky Blood? Hypertriglyceridemia Unveiled in a Case of Abdominal Pain – National Lipid Association
    Mar 25 2025
    CardioNerds co-founders Dr. Daniel Ambinder and Dr. Amit Goyal are joined by Dr. Spencer Weintraub, Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Northwell Health, Dr. Michael Albosta, third-year Internal Medicine resident at the University of Miami, and Anna Biggins, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at the Georgia Heart Institute. Expert commentary is provided by Dr. Zahid Ahmad, Associate Professor in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Texas Southwestern. Together, they discuss a fascinating case involving a patient with a new diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia. Episode audio was edited by CardioNerds Intern Student Dr. Pacey Wetstein. A woman in her 30s with type 2 diabetes, HIV, and polycystic ovarian syndrome presented with one day of sharp epigastric pain, non-bloody vomiting, and a new lower extremity rash. She was diagnosed with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, necessitating insulin infusion and plasmapheresis. The CardioNerds discuss the pathophysiology of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, potential organic and iatrogenic causes, and the cardiovascular implications of triglyceride disorders. We explore differential diagnoses for cardiac and non-cardiac causes of epigastric pain, review acute and long-term management of hypertriglyceridemia, and discuss strategies for the management of the chylomicronemia syndrome, focusing on lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. This episode is part of a case reports series developed in collaboration with the National Lipid Association and their Lipid Scholarship Program, with mentorship from Dr. Daniel Soffer and Dr. Eugenia Gianos. US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscript here. CardioNerds Case Reports PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls - Hypertriglyceridemia Cardiac sarcoidosis can present with a variety of symptoms, including arrhythmias, heart block, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. The acute management of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis involves prompt recognition and initiation of therapy to lower triglyceride levels using either plasmapheresis or intravenous insulin infusion +/- heparin infusion. Insulin infusion is used more commonly, while plasmapheresis is preferred in pregnancy. Medications such as fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids can be used to maintain long-term triglyceride reduction to prevent the recurrence of pancreatitis, especially in patients with persistent triglyceride elevation despite lifestyle modifications. Statins can be used in patients for ASCVD reduction in patients with a 10-year ASCVD risk > 5%, age > 40 years old, and diabetes or diabetes with end-organ damage or known atherosclerosis. Consider preferential use of icosapent ethyl as an omega-3 fatty acid for triglyceride lowering if the patients fit the populations that appeared to benefit in the REDUCE IT trial. Apply targeted dietary interventions within the context of an overall healthy dietary pattern, such as a Mediterranean or DASH diet. Limit full-fat dairy, fatty meats, refined starches, added sugars, and alcohol. Encourage high-fiber vegetables, whole fruits, low-fat or fat-free dairy, plant proteins, lean poultry, and fish. Pay special attention to the cooking oils to ensure the patient is not using palm oil, coconut oil, or butter when cooking. Instead, use liquid non-tropical plant oils. Initiate a very low-fat diet (< 5% of total daily calories from fat) for 1-4 weeks when TG levels are > 750 mg/dL. Recommend and encourage patients to exercise regularly, with a minimum goal of 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. If weight loss is required, aim for more than >225 - 250 minutes/week. Develop patient-centered and multidisciplinary stra...
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • 413. Case Report: Cardiac Sarcoidosis Presenting as STEMI – Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami

    413. Case Report: Cardiac Sarcoidosis Presenting as STEMI – Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami
    Mar 13 2025
    CardioNerds (Dr. Rick Ferraro and Dr. Dan Ambinder) join Dr. Sri Mandava, Dr. David Meister, and Dr. Marissa Donatelle from the Columbia University Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami. Expert commentary is provided by Dr. Pranav Venkataraman. They discuss the following case involving a patient with cardiac sarcoidosis presenting as STEMI: A 57-year-old man with a history of hyperlipidemia presented with sudden onset chest pain. On admission, he was vitally stable with a normal cardiorespiratory exam but appeared in acute distress and was diffusely diaphoretic. His ECG revealed sinus rhythm, a right bundle branch block (RBBB), and ST elevation in the inferior-posterior leads. He was promptly taken for emergent cardiac catheterization, which identified a complete thrombotic occlusion of the mid-left circumflex artery (LCX) and large obtuse marginal (OM) branch, with no underlying coronary atherosclerotic disease. Aspiration thrombectomy and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were performed, with one drug-eluting stent placed. An echocardiogram showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 31%, hypokinesis of the inferior, lateral, and apical regions, and an apical left ventricular thrombus. The patient was started on triple therapy. A hypercoagulable workup was negative. A cardiac MRI was obtained to further evaluate non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. In conjunction with a subsequent CT chest, the results raised suspicion for cardiac sarcoidosis with systemic involvement. In view of a reduced EF and significant late-gadolinium enhancement, electrophysiology was consulted to evaluate for ICD candidacy. A decision was made to delay ICD implantation until a definitive diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis could be established by tissue biopsy. The patient was started on HF-GDMT and discharged with a LifeVest. Close outpatient follow-up with cardiology and electrophysiology was arranged. US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscript here. CardioNerds Case Reports PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls - Cardiac Sarcoidosis Presenting as STEMI Cardiac sarcoidosis can present with a variety of symptoms, including arrhythmias, heart block, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. Symptoms can be subtle or mimic other cardiac conditions. Conduction abnormalities, particularly AV block or ventricular arrhythmias, are common and may be the initial indication of cardiac involvement with sarcoidosis. The additive value of Echocardiography, FDG-PET, and cardiac MR is indispensable in the diagnostic workup of suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. Specific role of MRI/PET: Both cardiac MRI and FDG-PET provide a complementary role in the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. Cardiac MRI is an effective diagnostic screening tool with fairly high sensitivity but is limited by its inability to decipher inflammatory (“active” disease) versus fibrotic myocardium. FDG-PT helps to make this discrimination, refine the diagnosis, and guide clinical management. Ultimately, these studies are most useful when interpreted in the context of other clinical information. Primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in cardiac sarcoidosis focuses on risk stratification, with ICD placement for high-risk patients. For patients awaiting definitive diagnosis, a LifeVest may be used as a temporary measure to protect from sudden arrhythmic events until an ICD is placed. Notes - Cardiac Sarcoidosis Presenting as STEMI 1. Is STEMI always a result of coronary artery disease? By definition, a STEMI is an acute S-T segment elevation myocardial infarction. This occurs when there is occlusion of a major coronary artery, which results in transmural ischemia and damage,
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    13 mins
  • 412: The Biology of Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) with Dr. Daniel Judge

    412: The Biology of Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) with Dr. Daniel Judge
    Mar 5 2025
    CardioNerds Cardiac Amyloidosis Series Chair Dr. Rick Ferraro and Episode Lead Dr. Anna Radakrishnan discuss the biology of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM ) with Dr. Daniel Judge. Notes were drafted by Dr. Anna Radakrishnan. The audio was engineered by student Dr. Julia Marques. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis, a complex and rapidly evolving disease process. The discussion covers the key red flags for cardiac amyloidosis, the diagnostic pathway, and the implications of hereditary versus wild-type ATTR. Importantly, the episode delves into the current and emerging therapies for ATTR, including stabilizers, gene silencers, and promising treatments like CRISPR-Cas9 and antibody-based approaches. Dr. Judge shares his insights and excitement about the rapidly advancing field, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and the potential to improve long-term outcomes for patients with this condition. Enjoy this Circulation Paths to Discovery article to learn more about the CardioNerds mission and journey. US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscripts here. CardioNerds Cardiac Amyloid PageCardioNerds Episode Page Pearls: - Biology of Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy Maintain a high index of suspicion! Look for subtle (yet telling) signs like ventricular hypertrophy, discordant EKG findings, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and spontaneous biceps tendon rupture. Utilize the right diagnostic tests. Endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard, but non-invasive tools like PYP scan with SPECT imaging and genetic testing are essential for accurate diagnosis. Differentiating hereditary from wild-type ATTR is critical, as genetic forms may have a more aggressive course and familial implications. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve prognosis, making vigilance in screening and prompt treatment initiation essential. The future is now! Cutting-edge therapies are transforming the treatment landscape, including TTR stabilizers, gene silencers, and emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and antibody-based treatments. Notes - Biology of Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy What is transthyretin amyloid (aTTR) and how is it derived? Transthyretin (TTR) is a transport protein primarily synthesized by the liver, responsible for carrying thyroid hormones (thyroxine) and retinol (vitamin A) in the blood. It circulates as a tetramer, composed of four identical monomers, which is essential for its stability and function. In transthyretin amyloid (ATTR) amyloidosis, the TTR protein becomes unstable, leading to its dissociation into monomers. These monomers misfold and aggregate into insoluble amyloid fibrils, which deposit extracellularly in tissues such as the heart, nerves, and gastrointestinal tract. This progressive amyloid deposition leads to organ dysfunction, including restrictive cardiomyopathy and neuropathy. There are two main forms of ATTR amyloidosis: hereditary (variant) and wild-type (senile) ATTR. Hereditary ATTR (ATTRv) is caused by mutations in the TTR gene. These mutations destabilize the TTR tetramer, making it more prone to dissociation. This increases misfolding and amyloid fibril formation, resulting in systemic amyloid deposition. Wild-type ATTR (ATTRwt) occurs without genetic mutations and is primarily age-related. Over time, even normal TTR tetramers can become unstable, leading to gradual misfolding and amyloid deposition, particularly in the heart. ATTRwt is a common but often underdiagnosed cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in elderly individuals. How does aTTR lead to deleterious effects in the heart and other organ systems? Transthyretin amyloidosis leads to organ dysfunction through the deposition of misfolded TTR protein as amyloid fib...
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    13 mins

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