NUHCS brings research and innovation to the global stage
PULSE Issue 45 | July 2025
From bold ideas to practice-changing insights, the American College of Cardiology 74th Annual Scientific Session (ACC25), held from 29 to 31 March 2025 in Chicago, brought the international cardiology community together for three dynamic days of discovery and collaboration. With over 200 live sessions and seven late-breaking clinical trials, the event was a showcase of the latest innovation driving the next chapter of heart care.
A non-profit medical society, dedicated to enhance the lives of cardiovascular patients through continuous improvements in patient-centered care, education, research and advocacy. Consisting of a diverse group of cardiology professionals including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, fellows, residents, nurses, and researchers, this organisation offers a range of educational and research opportunities for advancements in the field of cardiovascular health across the globe.
This year’s programme featured studies that challenged conventional practices, offered new therapeutic possibilities, and deepened the understanding of complex cardiovascular conditions. For NUHCS, it was not only a stage for knowledge exchange, but a proud opportunity to represent Singapore on the global stage.
Building on this spirit of international collaboration and innovation, seven pivotal clinical trials took centre stage — each contributing valuable insights with the potential to transform cardiovascular care worldwide.
Originally used to treat diabetes, Semaglutide is now showing promise in another area. The STRIDE trial found that this medication helped improved the quality of life in people with peripheral arterial disease1 and diabetes mellitus2, enabling longer walking distances with less pain. Patients also reported feeling better overall – pointing to a promising new strategy for managing leg pain and mobility issues because of poor circulation.
Preventing blood clots in cancer patients is essential, but treatment options may be limited by factors such as body weight or organ function. The API-CAT trial showed that a reduced dose of Apixaban, a common blood thinner, was just as effective as the standard dose in preventing venous thromboembolism3 – offering a more tailored and tolerable approach to treatment.
ADVANCE HTN Trial
A potential new medication for resistant hypertension, Lorundrostat showed effectiveness in lowering systolic blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. After 12 weeks, patients saw significant improvements, suggesting this to be an effective new option for treating uncontrolled hypertension cases.
FRESH-UP Trial
For years, heart failure patients have often been told to limit their fluid intake each day. However, the FRESH-UP trial revealed that this approach did not provide clinical benefits in stable outpatients - prompting a re-evaluation of individualised fluid management strategies that may be more effective in future care of our patients.
DAPA-TAVI Trial
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) – a minimally invasive procedure to replace damaged heart valves – still come with its risks for patients. The DAPA-TAVI trial found that the addition of a medication, Dapagliflozin, led to improved survival and reduced hospitalisation rates for heart failure, improving the quality of life after TAVI for many patients.
BHF-PROTECT TAVI Trial
When doctors replace a heart valve with the TAVI procedure, there is a risk of a stroke incidence. The Cerebral Embolic Protection (CEP) device has been developed to catch tiny debris that might cause a stroke during the procedure. However, the BHF-PROTECT TAVI trial found that using these devices did not reduce the chance of stroke in the first 72 hours after the procedure — igniting discussions on how to better enhance patient safety during and after TAVI.
WARRIOR Trial
Addressing gaps in women’s heart health, the WARRIOR trial found that intensive medical therapy did not significantly reduce adverse cardiovascular events for women with Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (INOCA) – a condition where blood flow to the heart is reduced despite their arteries appearing normal. This underscores the complexity of cardiovascular disease in women with INOCA and the urgent need for more tailored diagnostics and treatments.
Representing NUHCS at ACC25 was a 10-member team, led by Adj Prof Poh Kian Keong, Research Director, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, and Adj A/Prof William Kong, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS. The team presented eight research abstracts co-authored by 34 NUHCS professionals, covering a range of crucial cardiology topics from valvular heart diseases to sudden cardiac death — reinforcing Singapore’s growing influence in cardiovascular research.
One of the key moments for NUHCS was when Prof Ronald Lee, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, was awarded the 2024 William W. Parmley Young Author Achievement Award. His research paper titled, “Mandibular Advancement vs CPAP for Blood Pressure Reduction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea”, was selected for its academic rigour and impact - a recognition not only to his research but also to his leadership in mentoring the next generation of clinician-scientists.
Dr Jamie Ho, a second-year Internal Medicine Resident, NUHS, stood out with her thought-provoking study on environmental determinants of cardiac risk in a tropical urban setting like Singapore. Her research, titled “Ambient temperature, absolute humidity and their short-term associations with sudden cardiac arrest in Singapore: a time-series study” was featured in a global session on cardiovascular health trends and climate, spotlighting the intersection of environmental and heart health.
Dr Elinor Tan, Senior Resident, Department of Cardiology, NUHCS, shared insights on how elevated right-sided heart pressures could help predict outcomes in patients with aortic regurgitation4. Findings from her study, titled “Prognostic implications of elevated RSVP in moderate to severe aortic regurgitation” add new perspective to the evolving field of risk stratification in valvular heart disease5.
Beyond the scientific presentations and interactive clinical sessions, ACC25 provided a rich platform for the exchange of ideas, meaningful networking with like-minded professionals, and cross-border collaboration with one shared purpose: to push the boundaries of cardiovascular care.
NUHCS’ participation reflects its ongoing commitment to academic research, excellence, mentorship, and collaborative innovation. By contributing to global conferences like ACC25, the institute strives to strengthen its international footprint in cardiovascular research, not just in Singapore, but around the world.
