Cardiology for Primary Care

Cardiology for Primary Care – 12 credits

Overview
This conference is designed to provide primary care practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based information on commonly encountered issues in Cardiology while suggesting pragmatic approaches to clinical management. The discussion-based format of the conference will encourage audience participation through dynamic lectures, case-based studies, and hands-on workshops. Keynote speakers will present and critically assess recent advancements and industry updates in Cardiology with the goal of enhancing the knowledge-base and core competence of attendees. The successful completion of this interactive program diagnosing, treating, and prescribing the most effective courses of treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Target Audience
All physicians and other healthcare professionals are seeking clinical information about issues in Cardiology.

Speakers
Our presenting national faculty speakers make it their professional goal to enhance primary care clinicians’ training. This Continuing Medical Education program promises to help you learn the most current, best medicine, and techniques for making the diagnosis easier during a 20-minute office visit.

Schedule

Friday, March 21st
Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and/or Arrhythmic Symptoms

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM:
Approach to Patients with Palpitations – Raul D. Mitrani, MD, FACC, FHRS
Objectives: 1) Distinguish between benign and pathological causes of palpitations, recognizing common cardiac and some non-cardiac etiologies through clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing 2) Conduct a thorough history and physical examination and interpret key diagnostic tests (such as ECG, cardiac monitoring) 3) Identify patients with risk factors that would require further cardiac or arrhythmic management 4) Apply current evidence-based options for evaluation and treatment in patients with palpitations

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM:
Risk Factor Management for Patients with Atrial fibrillation – Litsa K. Lambrakos, MD
Objectives: 1) Recognize the Importance of Risk Factor Management, their role and their impact on treatment success 2) Identify Key Modifiable Risk Factors for AF 3) Understand the role of a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to RFM

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM:
Approach to Patients with Narrow and Wide Complex Tachycardia – Alex Velasquez, MD
Objectives: 1) Identify the signs and symptoms of narrow and wide complex tachycardia 2) Accurately interpret electrocardiogram (ECG) findings for narrow and wide complex tachycardia 3) Formulate initial management strategies for patients presenting with tachycardia 4) Discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Syncope: Benign Faint or Life-threatening Syndrome – Litsa K. Lambrakos, MD
Objectives: 1) Recognize the most common causes of syncope 2) Employ appropriate evaluation to risk stratify patients and identify the cause of syncope 3) Select therapeutic options based on the etiology of syncope

[9:30 AM – 9:50 AM – BREAK]

9:50 AM – 10:20 AM:
Best Practices for Patients with Atrial fibrillation – Raul D Mitrani, MD, FACC, FHRS
Objectives: 1) Implement pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to control heart rate for patients 2) Evaluate and decide on the appropriate use of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation management 3) Assess the benefit of rate control and rhythm control when treating patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

10:20 AM – 10:50 AM
Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial fibrillation – Raul D Mitrani, MD, FACC, FHRS
Objectives: 1) Accurately describe specific mechanisms, such as blood stasis and thromboembolism, through which atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk 2) Evaluate the role of anticoagulation therapy in stroke prevention in special populations 3) Apply stroke risk stratification tools to clinical decision-making

10:50 AM – 11:25 AM:
Cardiac Pacemakers: Indications and Physiologic Pacing – Alex Velasquez, MD
Objectives: 1) Discuss the conditions and symptoms that necessitate pacemaker therapy 2) Explain the principles of physiologic pacing and its benefits over traditional pacing methods 3) Discuss the importance of regular follow-up and monitoring to ensure optimal pacemaker function and patient outcomes

11:25 AM – 11:40 AM:
Cardiac Implantable Defibrillators: Indications and Updates on Latest Technologies – Litsa K. Lambrakos, MD
Objectives: 1) Understand the Indications for the Latest Defibrillators 2) Differentiate between traditional defibrillators and extravascular ICDs 3) Discuss advances in Defibrillator technologies

11:40 AM – 11:50 AM: Questions and Discussion
Moderators: Litsa K. Lambrakos, MD; Raul D. Mitrani, MD, FACC, FHRS; Alex Velasquez, MD

Saturday, March 22nd
Common Cardiology Scenarios for Primary Care Providers

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM:
Hypertension: State of the Art Lecture: 2025 – Maria Carolina Delgado-Lelievre, MD
Objectives: 1) Understand the Current Epidemiology of Hypertension 2) Recognize the Consequences of Uncontrolled Hypertension 3) Examine the Multifactorial Roots of Hypertension 4) Update on the Latest Hypertension Guidelines 5) Utilize the PREVENT Score in Risk Stratification and Prognosis

8:15 AM – 8:30 AM:
Patients with Resistant Hypertension: Role for Renal Denervation – Nikolaos Spilias, MD
Objectives: 1) Understand the pathophysiology and rationale for renal denervation 2) Identify appropriate patient selection criteria for renal denervation 3) Review the supportive clinical evidence, safety and efficacy data for the integration of renal denervation into hypertension management

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM:
Hyperlipidemia: Update 2025 – David Weininger Cohen, MD
Objectives: 1) Apply new evidence and decisions regarding patient’s lipid profiles 2) Understand the importance of the latest evidence in lipid management

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Outpatient Approach for Claudication and Screening for Peripheral Vascular Disease – George Degheim, MD
Objectives: 1) Identify who needs to be screened for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) 2) Determine how to screen and diagnose PAD 3) Decide what tests to order in an outpatient setting

[9:30 AM – 9:50 AM – BREAK]

9:50 AM – 10:30 AM:
Current Paradigms in Treatment of Patients with Heart Failure – Omar Pinzon Wever, MD
Objectives: 1) Overview of heart failure epidemiology and management strategies 2) Evaluate the latest diagnostic tools to improve patient management and clinical decision-making 3) Overview of advanced treatment strategies in advanced heart failure to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life

10:30 AM – 10:50 AM:
Approach to Patients with Chest Pain – Antonio R. Barquet, MD
Objectives: 1) Identify key elements in the history, physical examination, electrocardiogram and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain 2) Understand when to recommend stress testing as part of the diagnostic workup in an office setting 3) Assess when to refer a patient with chest pain to the emergency room versus when to manage the patient in an office setting and refer selectively to a cardiologist

10:50 AM – 11:15 AM:
Who Needs Risk Stratification for Coronary Artery Disease? – George Degheim, MD
Objectives: 1) Interpret the clinical implications of a coronary calcium score 2) Apply current guidelines and recommendations 3) Analyze clinical scenarios

11:15 AM – 11:40 AM:
Noninvasive Evaluation for Cardiac Ischemia – Pedro Covas, MD
Objectives: 1) Review the modalities available for the evaluation of the patient with chest pain 2) Discuss common pitfalls and contraindications to ischemic testing modalities

11:40 AM – 11:50 AM: Questions and Discussion
Moderators: George Degheim, MD; Maria Carolina Delgado-Lelievre, MD; Omar Pinzon Wever, MD; David Weininger Cohen, MD

Sunday, March 23rd
Section 1: Current and Emerging Therapies for Advanced Heart Failure

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM:
Evolving Treatment Paradigms in the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – Omar Pinzon Wever, MD
Objectives: 1) Overview of the epidemiology and management of HCM 2) Overview of novel treatment strategies for the management of HCM

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM:
Cardiac Imaging for Patients with Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure – Pedro Covas, MD
Objectives: 1) Review common cardiomyopathies clinicians may encounter 2) Demonstrate the use of multi modality imaging to diagnose different cardiomyopathies

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM:
Heart Failure Due to Severe Mitral Regurgitation: Current Trends in Evaluation and Management – Nikolaos Spilias, MD
Objectives: 1) Recognize the pathophysiology and clinical impact of severe mitral regurgitation in heart failure 2) Review the role of echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal), in assessing mitral regurgitation severity and its impact on left ventricular function 3) Outline the role of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in optimizing heart failure patients with mitral regurgitation 4) Review indications for transcatheter mitral valve interventions based on recent clinical trials and guidelines

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Heart Failure Due to Severe Aortic Stenosis: Current Trends in Evaluation and Management – Pedro R. Cox MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI
Objectives: 1) Understand the Pathophysiology of heart failure due to severe aortic stenosis 2) Recognize the Clinical Signs and Symptoms of heart failure in aortic stenosis 3) Review Diagnostic Approaches: Echocardiography, valve area assessment, and advanced imaging techniques 4) Manage Aortic Stenosis-Induced Heart Failure in primary care, including pharmacologic treatments and referral for intervention 5) Explore Current Treatment Options: TAVR vs. SAVR and guidelines for Intervention 6) Promote Multidisciplinary Care: Collaboration with cardiologists and surgeons, and patient-centered decision-making.

[9:30 AM – 9:50 AM – BREAK]

9:50 AM – 10:20 AM:
Emerging Therapy for Advanced Heart Failure: Premise and Promise of Cell-based Therapy –  Joshua M. Hare, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.H.A.
Objectives: 1) Understand the regenerative mechanisms of cell-based therapies in cardiomyopathy and heart failure, focusing on their potential to improve myocardial repair, reduce fibrosis, and enhance cardiac function 2) Analyze recent clinical trial findings on cell-based therapies, identifying patient subsets that may benefit most, such as those with dilated cardiomyopathy, and recognizing variations in outcomes based on patient characteristics and treatment protocols

Section 2. Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke Prevention

10:20 AM – 10:40 AM:
Angina with Normal Coronaries – Nikolaos Spilias, MD
Objectives: 1) Understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms of ANOCA, including coronary microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina 2) Discuss the diagnostic approach to ANOCA and when to refer patients for further diagnostic testing, such as coronary reactivity testing 3) Review contemporary management strategies for ANOCA

10:40 AM – 11:10 AM:
Role of Coronary Intervention in Patients with CAD – Pedro R. Cox MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI
Objectives: 1) Understand Indications for coronary intervention in CAD 2) Know Types of Interventions: PCI vs. CABG and when to use them 3) Review Guidelines for managing stable and acute CAD 4) Understand Post-Intervention Care: Antiplatelet therapy and follow-up 5) Collaborate with Cardiologists on treatment decisions

11:10 AM – 11:20 AM:
Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial fibrillation Intolerant to Anticoagulation – Pedro R. Cox MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI
Objectives: 1) Understand Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation and its impact on patient outcomes 2) Identify Alternatives to Anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF patients intolerant to traditional anticoagulants 3) Review Non-Anticoagulant Therapies: Use of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and other devices 4) Assess Patient Eligibility for non-anticoagulant therapies and interventions

10:40 AM – 11:10 AM:
Role of Patent Foramen Ovale as a Cause of Strokes – Nikolaos Spilias, MD
Objectives: 1) Describe the prevalence of PFO in the general population and its potential clinical significance 2) Recognize the association between PFO and cryptogenic stroke 3) Outline the workup for suspected PFO-related stroke, including imaging modalities such as echocardiography with bubble study and transesophageal echocardiography 4) Review the indications of PFO closure based on the current clinical guidelines

11:40 AM – 11:50 AM: Questions and Discussion
Moderators: Pedro R. Cox MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI; Pedro R. Cox MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI; Nikolaos Spilias, MD

Presenting Faculty Speakers:

• Antonio Barquet, MD: Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• David Weininger Cohen, MD – Staff Physician, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; UHealth Hospitals and Clinics; Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, FL.
• Pedro Covas, MD: Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Pedro R. Cox MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director, Structural Heart Program, University of Miami Health System, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, FL.
• George Degheim, MD: Staff Physician, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Maria Carolina Delgado-Lelievre, MD: Assistant Professor, Medicine Division of Cardiovascular Medicine; Founder & Director, Comprehensive Hypertension Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Joshua M. Hare, MD, FACC, FAHA: Professor, Medicine Division of Cardiovascular Medicine; Founding Director, Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute – ISCI; Director, Donald Soffer Endowed Program in Regenerative Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Litsa K. Lambrakos, MD – Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Associate Professor, Medicine Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Raul D. Mitrani, MD, FACC, FHRS – Professor of Clinical Medicine; Associate Chief for Clinical Affairs, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine; Director, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Nikolaos Spilias, MD – Interventional and Structural Cardiology, Assistant Professor, Cardiovascular Division; Associate Program Director, Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
• Alex Velasquez, MD – Assistant Professor of Clinical, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL. Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.
• Omar Pinzon Wever, MD – Associate Professor of Clinical, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.

Please Note: Content is subject to change without notice. Please refer to this activity website for the most current information.