Plaque Vulnerability and Risk Factors | JACC Deep Dive

Plaque Vulnerability and Risk Factors | JACC Deep Dive

Author: American College of Cardiology July 21, 2025 Duration: 5:38

In this JACC Deep Dive, Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, FACC reviews a study by Covani, et al that uses OCT imaging in over 1,500 ACS patients to show how increasing cardiovascular risk factor burden—like smoking, diabetes, and hypertension—is strongly associated with vulnerable plaque features such as thin caps, inflammation, and rupture. The findings were most pronounced in STEMI patients and reinforce the biological impact of cumulative risk. Reviewers found the core results intuitive but pushed for deeper mechanistic insights, leading to a stronger final paper with improved clarity, additional analyses, and a more nuanced understanding of how traditional risk factors shape plaque instability.


Every week, the editors of one of the world's leading cardiology journals sit down for a conversation that goes beyond the printed page. JACC This Week, from the American College of Cardiology, brings together Editor-in-Chief Dr. Harlan Krumholz and Senior Consulting Editor Dr. Carolyn S.P. Lam. Their discussions provide essential context for the complex research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, translating high-level science into meaningful insights. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, debate emerging trends, and explore the real-world implications of the latest findings in cardiovascular medicine. This isn't just a summary of the issues; it's a dialogue about how evidence is shaping modern heart care, from prevention to advanced intervention. The podcast serves as a direct line to the experts who are curating the science that defines global standards. Each episode feels like joining an informed, behind-the-scenes editorial meeting, where the nuances of patient care and clinical practice are thoughtfully examined. For anyone invested in cardiology-whether a practicing clinician, a researcher, or a dedicated student-this regular audio companion offers clarity and a deeper understanding of the forces driving the field forward. It’s where the published data meets practical conversation, all through the accessible format of a weekly podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

JACC This Week
Podcast Episodes
October 28.2025: How Low Should We Go? | JACC This Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:16
Dr. Harlan Krumholz introduces a JACC issue unified around the question of how low to target blood pressure, highlighting growing evidence that aiming near 120 mm Hg improves cardiovascular outcomes without harming quali…