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Conference Highlights: European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress

September 6, 2024

The European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC) Congress wrapped up on September 2, 2024. Below are selected highlights of the research presented at the meeting.

Three biomarkers predict 30-year risk of heart disease in women

In a study of initially healthy U.S. women, a combined measure of high-sensitivity CRP, LDL-cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels predicted cardiovascular events over 30 years. These findings provide an argument for expanding primary prevention strategies for atherosclerotic events beyond the conventional 10-year risk estimates. Read more.

Do cold temps impact MI risk?

A Swedish study suggests that brief exposure to colder temperatures and cold spells can increase the risk of hospitalization for MI. These findings emphasize the importance of further research into cardiac risks associated with cold weather, especially as climate change continues to alter weather patterns. Read more.

DOAC monotherapy vs. dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with afib and CAD

Results from the open-label, randomized EPIC-CAD trial demonstrate that in patients with afib and stable coronary artery disease, edoxaban monotherapy led to a lower risk of a composite of death from any cause, MI, stroke, systemic embolism, unplanned urgent revascularization, or major bleeding or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding at 12 months than dual antithrombotic therapy. Read more.

Semaglutide use linked to decreased COVID-19 deaths

In this analysis of data from the SELECT trial, individuals on semaglutide 2.4 mg had reduced overall mortality rates compared with those on placebo. This decrease was equally influenced by reductions in both cardiovascular (CV)-related and non–CV-related deaths. Notably, the decline in non-CV deaths was mainly due to a lower number of deaths from infections. Read more.

Is potassium supplementation necessary after cardiac bypass surgery?

For preventing afib after cardiac surgery, giving potassium supplements only when levels drop below 3.6 mEq/L was just as effective as the common practice of maintaining levels at or above 4.5 mEq/L, according to findings from the randomized TIGHT K trial. This lower threshold didn't lead to more irregular heartbeats or negative health effects. Read more.

Is it safe to stop beta-blockers in MI patients?

According to findings from the ABYSS trial, conducted at 49 sites in France, patients with a history of MI who stopped beta-blocker treatment had a higher rate of cardiovascular hospitalization, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and no improvement in quality of life. Read more.