HoFH Therapy: New Drug Bypasses LDL Receptor 01/10/26

Welcome to Cardiology Today – Recorded January 10, 2026. This episode summarizes 5 key cardiology studies on topics like SHR-1918 and clinical outcomes. Key takeaway: HoFH Therapy: New Drug Bypasses LDL Receptor. Article Links: Article 1: Congenital heart defects: familial recurrence patterns in Sweden. (European heart journal) Article 2: Cardiovascular adaptation to training load in endurance athletes: a longitudinal study. (European heart journal) Article 3: Serial Assessment of Modified SCAI SHOCK Classification in Post-Cardiotomy Patients. (The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation) Article 4: Anti-ANGPTL3 Antibody SHR-1918 for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. (JAMA cardiology) Article 5: Social Determinants of Health and Clinical Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. (JAMA cardiology) Full episode page: https://podcast.explainheart.com/podcast/hofh-therapy-new-drug-bypasses-ldl-receptor-01-10-26/ Featured Articles Article 1: Congenital heart defects: familial recurrence patterns in Sweden. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41504464 Summary: Congenital heart defects aggregate in families, necessitating updated population-based recurrence estimates due to improved survival and diagnostic precision. A comprehensive retrospective population-based case-control study utilized nationwide Swedish register data. This investigation included 51778 individuals diagnosed with congenital heart defects born between 1987 and 2001. The study established the specific familial recurrence patterns for congenital heart defects within the Swedish population. Article 2: Cardiovascular adaptation to training load in endurance athletes: a longitudinal study. Journal: European heart journal PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499247 Summary: The study demonstrated cardiovascular adaptation to training load in endurance athletes, linking objectively quantified exercise duration and intensity to cardiac magnetic resonance findings. Researchers correlated heart rate monitor data with cardiac magnetic resonance results in 69 young male endurance athletes, aged 16 to 23 years, and 82 middle-aged male endurance athletes, aged 45 to 70 years. This approach provided a precise characterization of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling, overcoming the limitations of previous studies that relied on self-reported data. It directly showed specific cardiac structural and functional changes in response to measured training loads. Article 3: Serial Assessment of Modified SCAI SHOCK Classification in Post-Cardiotomy Patients. Journal: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41513116 Summary: Post-cardiotomy shock is a severe complication after cardiac surgery, linked to high in-hospital mortality. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions SHOCK classification provides a valid approach for initial shock staging post-surgery. This study externally validated the prognostic value and accuracy of serial Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions SHOCK reclassification for all-cause in-hospital mortality. The data confirmed that repeated application of the classification offers improved risk assessment and predicts outcomes in post-cardiotomy patients. Article 4: Anti-ANGPTL3 Antibody SHR-1918 for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499141 Summary: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder resulting in markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels due to absent or severely impaired low-density lipoprotein receptor activity. Traditional lipid-regulating agents are largely ineffective as their activity relies on residual low-density lipoprotein receptor function. This nonrandomized clinical trial demonstrated that the anti-angiopoietinlike 3 antibody SHR-1918 reduced lipid levels through a low-density lipoprotein receptor-independent pathway. The study confirmed SHR-1918 as a viable therapeutic option for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, addressing a critical unmet need. Article 5: Social Determinants of Health and Clinical Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Journal: JAMA cardiology PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499131 Summary: Area-based indicators of social determinants of health are associated with higher risk for acquired heart disease. This multicenter, prospective cohort study demonstrated the association of these area-based social determinants of health with clinical outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study, involving US adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from 5 ...