Cardiology: What You May Have Missed in 2024

Abstract

There have been many recent advancements in cardiology research, with numerous studies published across the multiple subspecialties. Having screened more than 1200 articles published in 2024, we summarize 10 studies in this article that highlight key changes in this field. Starting with atrial fibrillation (AF), we note articles that examine which patients benefit most from catheter ablation, a procedure that is becoming increasingly common. We then examine new evidence regarding anticoagulation in device-detected AF and in patients with AF and coronary disease. In patients with severe aortic stenosis, the timing of valve intervention in relation to development of symptoms was a hot topic and is addressed here. There have also been developments in treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including research into medications such as finerenone and tirzepatide. Certain studies attempt to challenge our current medical practices, including routine use of β-blockers after myocardial infarction (MI) and holding of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors before noncardiac surgery. Finally, the role of invasive treatment strategies for older adults with non-ST-segment elevation MI has also been addressed.