Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, is a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health and the former president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology.

Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C

HCPLive Viet Le AHA 2024

American Heart Association (AHA) Annual Scientific Sessions 2024

 community welcomed several new trials and updates across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease, from arrhythmias to heart failure to hypertension and everything in between.

As part of our on-site coverage of AHA 24, the editorial team of HCPLive Cardiology caught up with advisory board Viet Le, PA-C, DMSc, an associate professor of research and a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health. In the video above, Le, who is also the immediate past president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), talks about 5 key updates he felt were most pertinent for practicing clinicians to be aware of from the first 2 days of the meeting.

First, Le highlights the BPROAD trial, which reaffirmed the need for intensive blood pressure targets, particularly in patients with diabetes. Results from this Chinese population study demonstrated lowering systolic blood pressure to <120 mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events without increasing hypotension risk relative to a target of <150 mmHg.

Next, he highlights the OPTION trial, which compared LAAC with the WATCHMAN FLX device against DOACs. Results of the trial found the device was noninferior for stroke prevention while reducing bleeding risk, offering a valuable alternative for patients intolerant to anticoagulants.

Le calls particular attention to the VANISH2 trial, which found use of catheter ablation in ventricular tachycardia (VT) reduced VT events and shocks—something Le expects could have a profound impact on the quality of life for patients.

Lastly, Le calls attention to a pair of updates related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in care. At the meeting, AI's utility in echocardiography was explored through studies demonstrating its ability to enhance diagnostic workflows. While Le cautions this technology may not be ready for autonomous use, these advancements highlight its potential to streamline processes and enhance precision in cardiovascular imaging.

Relevant disclosures for Le include Novartis, Pfizer, Amgen, and Janssen. 

Ning G, Wang W, He J, Bi Y, et al. Effects of Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2024. Chicago, Illinois. November 16-18, 2024.

Wazni OM. Randomized Comparison of Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Oral Anticoagulation after Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Paper presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024; November 15 - 18; Chicago, Il. Accessed November 16, 2024.

Sapp JL, Tang ASL, Stevenson WG, et al. Catheter Ablation or Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Ventricular Tachycardia. The New England Journal of Medicine. Published November 16, 2024. Accessed November 16, 2024.

Videos

The American Heart Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2024 presented significant updates in cardiovascular disease management. Key highlights include the BPROAD trial, which supports intensive blood pressure control in diabetic patients to reduce cardiovascular events. The OPTION trial demonstrated the noninferiority of the WATCHMAN FLX device compared to DOACs for stroke prevention, with reduced bleeding risk. The VANISH2 trial showed catheter ablation's effectiveness in reducing ventricular tachycardia events. Additionally, advancements in AI for echocardiography were discussed, emphasizing its potential to improve diagnostic workflows.

Viet Le, PA-C, DMSc, breaks down new data and updates from AHA 24, spotlighting 3 specific trials and the applicability of artificial intelligence in care.

Navigating News and Updates in Cardiology at AHA 24, with Viet Le, PA-C, DMSc

The APAC Recap: Lifestyle Medicine at CAPP Live 2024 with Laura Ross, PA-C

, host Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health and the former president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), interviewed Laura Ross, PA-C, APAC's current president and director of the Heart Disease Prevention and Lipid Clinic at the Park Nicollet Heart & Vascular Center. Ross reflected on her experience presenting at the inaugural Cardiology Advanced Practice Providers (CAPP) meeting, where she highlighted the role of lifestyle medicine in improving 

. She discussed how dietary modifications, particularly plant-based and whole grain options, have led to significant health improvements, including reduced blood pressure, weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels, in patients at her clinic.

Ross emphasized the importance of shifting focus from restrictive diets to positive guidance on food choices, advocating for whole food and plant-based options over supplements, which she notes are often overused and lack robust data for health benefits. She also provides practical tips for PAs and nurse practitioners on integrating lifestyle changes with pharmacologic treatments, especially in managing patients with high cholesterol who may require non-statin therapies. The episode concluded with a discussion on current trends and guidelines, including the efforts of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to promote practical dietary changes, and Ross’s insights on group visits, and insurance reimbursement for non-statin therapies in specific cases.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and our 

In a recent discussion, Laura Ross, PA-C, emphasized the role of lifestyle medicine in cardiovascular health, particularly through dietary modifications like plant-based and whole grain options. She highlighted the benefits of focusing on positive food choices rather than restrictive diets, advocating for whole foods over supplements. Ross also provided practical advice for integrating lifestyle changes with pharmacologic treatments, especially for patients needing non-statin therapies. The conversation included current trends and guidelines, such as the American College of Cardiology's efforts to promote practical dietary changes.

Laura Ross, PA-C, shares insights from the inaugural CAPP meeting on how lifestyle medicine and targeted therapies are transforming cardiovascular care.

The APAC Recap: Dyslipidemia at CAPP Live 2024 with Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C

, Laura Ross, PA-C, president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), welcomed Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, immediate past president of APAC, to recap his presentations at the inaugural Cardiology Advanced Practice Providers (CAPP) Live 2024 conference. Le, a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health, shares insights from his sessions covering lipid management, metabolic dysfunction, liver disease, and chest pain guidelines, focusing particularly on lipid strategies for the APAC audience.

One major point he discussed is the 2022 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) expert consensus pathway for non-statin therapies, emphasizing the importance of reclassifying high-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Le advised cardiology PAs and NPs to recognize those with very high-risk ASCVD profiles and to aim for an LDL-cholesterol target (LDL-C) of ≤55 mg/dL, beyond standard statin therapy, using options like ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, and PCSK9 inhibitors.

A highlight from Le’s presentation was his advice on managing statin intolerance, a common referral reason in preventive cardiology. He discussed the benefits of pitavastatin, a lesser-known statin with a high success rate in patients who experience myalgia on other statins. Le explained that pitavastatin’s unique formulation, originating from research by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, makes it an effective alternative for lipid lowering in statin-intolerant patients, reducing LDL-C levels by 30–49% when used at 2 or 4 mg, especially when combined with ezetimibe or bempedoic acid.

To conclude, Le reviewed the 2022 expert consensus on non-statin therapies and discussed the importance of risk-enhancing factors, particularly in women with conditions like preeclampsia or premature menopause, which are often overlooked yet critical in risk assessment. Their discussion emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches to lipid management, equipping cardiology providers to optimize patient care.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and on our 

Laura Ross and Viet Le discuss key insights from the inaugural CAPP Live 2024 conference, focusing on lipid management strategies for cardiology advanced practice providers. Le highlights the 2022 AHA/ACC consensus on non-statin therapies, emphasizing the reclassification of high-risk ASCVD patients and targeting LDL-C levels of ≤55 mg/dL. He also addresses managing statin intolerance with pitavastatin, a viable alternative for patients experiencing myalgia. The discussion underscores the importance of recognizing risk-enhancing factors, particularly in women, to optimize lipid management and patient care.

Past APAC President Viet Le shares insights from CAPP 2024 on managing high-risk ASCVD, new non-statin therapies, and options for statin-intolerant patients.








Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, and Laura Ross, PA-C, discuss the role of APPs in collaborative management of rheumatic disease and cardiovascular disease.

APAC Recap: RhAPP 5th Annual National Conference, with Laura Ross, PA-C

, host Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health and the former president of the 

Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC)

, is joined by Laura Ross, PA-C, clinical lipid specialist and current president of APAC, to discuss her recent experience at the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) national conference, which was held in Nashville, TN from September 26 - 28, 2024. During the meeting, Ross played the part of attendee and presenter as she played a key role during a workshop on the final afternoon of the meeting.

In the episode, Ross shares key insights from her presentation, "Heart Under Attack: The Intersection of Autoimmune Disease and Cardiology," which focused on the significant cardiovascular risks faced by patients with autoimmune conditions like lupus, 

, and psoriasis. Ross explains how the fact that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in these patients often goes overlooked and emphasizes the need for cardiologists and rheumatologists to collaborate in their care.

Later in the episode, Ross highlights the unique structure of the RhAPP conference, with interdisciplinary sessions on the overlap between rheumatology and other specialties, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, and pulmonology. She also discusses hands-on workshops, such as joint injection training and practical boot camps for new rheumatology providers. Ross and Le conclude with a practical discussion on how cardiology providers can better support rheumatology colleagues and ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and on our 

Are you an APP interested in learning more about cardiology? Click the image below for more information on CAPP Live 2024!

The episode features a discussion between Viet Le and Laura Ross on the intersection of autoimmune diseases and cardiology, emphasizing the cardiovascular risks for patients with conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Ross underscores the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and rheumatologists. She also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the RhAPP conference, which includes sessions on rheumatology's overlap with other specialties and hands-on workshops. The episode concludes with strategies for cardiology providers to enhance support for rheumatology colleagues and ensure comprehensive patient care.

APAC President Laura Ross, PA-C, shares insights from the RhAPP conference, discussing autoimmune disease, cardiovascular risks, and the importance of interdisciplinary care.

Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C

Articles