TCTMD’s Top 10 Most Popular Stories for January 2025

The first month of the year reinforces what we already know to be true: TCTMD readers have diverse interests, spanning the breadth of cardiology research and practice. Our most-read article of January 2025 looked at the temporary halt to pulsed-field ablation cases in the US, followed by stories dealing with cardiac arrest and sugar-sweetened beverages. Heart failure, interventional cardiology, cardiometabolic disease, cardiovascular surgery, and kidney disease also are represented, along with a topic increasingly on the mind of physicians—private equity ownership of hospitals.

1. J&J Halts Varipulse Pulsed-Field Ablation Cases in the US

The temporary pause will allow the company to investigate four neurovascular events seen in an external evaluation study.

2. Immediate Angiography in OHCA Without STEMI Could Harm: TOMAHAWK and COACT

Researchers delved into the two “neutral” studies using Bayesian methods: a clearer picture of angiography’s role has emerged.

3. Global Study Shows Sugary Drinks Boosting Diabetes and CVD at Alarming Rates

Even in sub-Saharan Africa, one of the last bastions untouched by Western diets, sugar-sweetened drinks are fueling disease.

4. Variety of GLP-1 Drugs Help People Without Diabetes Lose Weight: Review

With three meds approved for weight management and several on the way, these may make a dent in the obesity epidemic.

5. Surgeons Formalize Support for ESC’s Stance on CCS Revascularization

In a field rife with disagreement, the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS), the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), and others say the European guidelines got it right when it comes to CABG.

6. Study Links Osteoporosis Injections and Increased MACE in Dialysis Patients

In dialysis-dependent patients, those on denosumab (Prolia; Amgen) for fracture risk had a 36% higher MACE rate than those on bisphosphonates.

7. FEATURE Surgical Societies Issue Policies on Professional Conduct

Both the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the STS have taken measures against bullying, disrespect, and other harmful behavior. Others may follow suit.

8. Coronary Sinus Reducer Overlooked in Review of Stable Angina Treatments

The device was not included as a potential treatment despite sham-controlled evidence showing it reduces patient symptoms.

9. Patient Experience Worsens When Private Equity Firms Acquire US Hospitals

Greater transparency, monitoring, and regulatory oversight are needed around these transactions, a researcher says. 

10. Change in Kidney Function With Finerenone Doesn’t Impact Treatment’s Benefit

The message is that an early decrease in eGFR with finerenone (Kerendia; Bayer AG) should not lead to stopping the medication, say HF experts.

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In a feature story this month, TCTMD delved into a question many may be wondering about: is it time for a randomized controlled trial of bariatric surgery versus the new GLP-1 drugs? We also took a look at the potential impact of some new Trump administration decisions on cardiovascular research. If you want more top news from January, tune into this month’s Heart Sounds podcast. And if you missed Yael Maxwell’s recent coverage of the STS 2025 meeting, be sure to visit our conference page.