The evolution of the science and evidence base for providing the best care for each patient in our practice is a key feature of cardiovascular medicine we all embrace.

This month's issue brings us a cover story that takes a deep dive into guidance from the most recent guideline from the ACC and AHA for the management of atrial fibrillation (AFib). This most common arrhythmia accounts for significant morbidity and mortality and continues to be complex to manage.

Notably, the new guideline recognizes AFib as a disease continuum with four stages from those at risk without diagnosed AFib to those with permanent AFib, better defining AFib as a progressive disease with prevention opportunities at each stage.

"The public health burden of AFib is increasing," says Fred M. Kusumoto, MD, FACC. "Therefore, it is important to be thoughtful in our approach to modifying risk factors for prevention, considering that this approach can be applicable to a large proportion of the population. There is strong evidence that AFib is largely a lifestyle disease that we may be able to prevent, so it is appropriate to be ambitious in our prevention efforts."

Also in this issue, there is more on managing arrhythmias in our Focus on EP section that recaps key trials and science presented at Heart Rhythm 2024 and in JACC in a Flash with summaries of several of the hottest trials presented at Heart Rhythm 2024 and simultaneously published in the JACC Journals.

Other topics include a look at the use of intravascular ultrasound in peripheral endovascular arterial and venous interventions in Peripheral Matters; highlights from SCAI 2024 in Focus on Intervention; and improving the care of individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Prioritizing Health.

Insights and strategies for navigating crucial conversations and effective communications, along with an essay on the power of narrative medicine in patient care can be found in From the Member Sections, as well as a look at the growth and contributions of the CV Team Member Section to the ACC as part of our continuing series celebrating the College's 75th anniversary.

And don't miss Heart of Health Policy for an overview of legislative hearings on several priority issues for the ACC and clinicians, including Medicare payment reform, extending telehealth flexibilities, administrative burden in health care and more.

As a new era of leadership begins for JACC under new Editor-in-Chief Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM, FACC, this month's "Then and Now" column pays tribute to all the JACC editors-in-chief who have made the journal what it is today.

Visit JACC.org to read Krumholz's first issue including his editorial outlining his vision and strategy for the journal.

Enjoy this issue and the summer! As always, please send your thoughts and feedback to CardiologyEditor@acc.org.

 

Peter C. Block
MD, FACC

John Gordon Harold
MD, MACC

 

Clinical Topics: Arrhythmias and Clinical EP, Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease, Prevention, Atrial Fibrillation/Supraventricular Arrhythmias, Hypertension

Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, Atrial Fibrillation, Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced, Narrative Medicine, Patient Care, Health Policy