Is the evidence convincing that intensive antihypertensive therapy protects brain function and helps prevent dementia? Research increasingly shows that high mid‑life blood pressure is a strong predictor of later cognitive decline. Emerging data further indicate that intensive blood‑pressure lowering can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia while remaining safe for many older adults.

In this interview, Glenn A. Hirsch MD, MHS, FACC and Paul K Whelton, MB, MD, MSc discuss "Hypertension Treatment Trials in the Elderly for Brain Health".

In patients with Type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), tirzepatide was non‑inferior to dulaglutide for major cardiovascular events while providing superior kidney protection, lower all‑cause mortality, and greater reductions in HbA1c and body weight. Compared with dulaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide demonstrated broader metabolic and clinical benefits. By using dulaglutide as the active comparator rather than a placebo, the trial demonstrated tirzepatide's strong cardiovascular and metabolic profile, supporting its potential for broader use beyond diabetes management.

In this interview, Dipti Itchhaporia MD, MACC and Stephen Nicholls, MBBS, PhD, FACC discuss the SURPASS-CVOT Trial (Effect of Tirzepatide Versus Dulaglutide on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events).

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring provides important prognostic value, particularly for individuals at intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) or those with a family history of the condition. Incorporating computed tomography calcium scoring into a structured disease‑management program may help prevent the progression of coronary plaque, although this strategy has not yet been evaluated in a randomized trial.

In this interview, Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC and Dr Nitesh Nerlekar, MBBS, PHD discuss the CAUGHT-CAD Randomized Trial: Effects of Combining Coronary Calcium Score with Treatment on Plaque Progression in Familial CAD".