Welcome to another episode of Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unplugged. Today Dr. Mehra pulls back the curtain on one of cardiology’s most common and most misunderstood procedures: the coronary stent. When a stress test comes back abnormal, “stent” is often the word that follows, and for many patients, it sounds urgent and final. But is it always the right move? In this episode, we confront the myths and explore the evidence, showing when a stent can save a life, when medication is just as effective, and how to cut through fear to ask the questions that matter most. If you or someone you love has ever been told you need a stent, this is the episode you cannot afford to miss.

00:00 How stents work in arteries

06:50 Stent decision criteria and FFR

09:12 Understanding heart attacks and treatments

12:21 Discussing the Courage trial results

16:20 Heart attack interventions and treatments

19:26 Using medical therapy for heart disease

23:51 Discussing procedure risks with patients

27:12 Discussing second opinions with patients

29:44 Talking with cardiologist about options

32:46 The benefits of patient involvement

Most patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFIB) are handed a prescription for blood thinners often without ever learning about another potentially life-changing option. In this episode of Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unplugged, Dr. Aditya Mehra deep dives into the two main tools for stroke prevention in AFIB: traditional anticoagulants and the innovative Watchman device. He breaks down how blood clots form in the heart, why stroke prevention must be one of the very first conversations in AFIB care, and what patients need to know to make the right decisions for themselves. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, struggling with the side effects of blood thinners, or simply curious about new advances in heart treatment, this episode arms you with the questions and answers that could shape your journey.

00:00 Discussing atrial fibrillation tools

06:44 Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Basics

10:08 Left atrial appendage and heart function

13:33 Assessing bleeding risk with HAS-BLED score

17:08 Addressing anticoagulation gaps

18:22 Stroke risk in elderly patients

23:17 Watchman device heart procedure

26:55 Comparing Watchman device to warfarin

31:36 Patient awareness of new tech

33:02 Discussing patient education on AFib

36:19 Discussion on AFIB stroke prevention

Welcome back to Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unplugged, where real conversations shed light on life-changing heart treatments. In today’s episode, Dr. Mehra demystifies one of the most dangerous yet misunderstood cardiovascular emergencies: pulmonary embolism. Each year, hundreds of thousands in the U.S. experience a blood clot in the lungs, a condition that can strike anyone, often with subtle or mistaken symptoms, and demands urgent recognition to ensure the best possible outcome. Together, they explore what a pulmonary embolism really is, who’s at risk, and why so many cases slip through the cracks of public awareness and clinical suspicion. Whether you’ve heard the term or never given it much thought, this episode empowers patients and families with knowledge about warning signs, risk factors, and the cutting-edge treatments that can turn the tide for those affected by this silent threat.

00:00 Understanding pulmonary embolism risks

03:26 Patient's ER visit after vacation

09:34 Risk factors for blood clots

10:55 Preventing blood clots while flying

16:21 Pulmonary embolism symptoms explained

20:46 Assessing risk of pulmonary embolism

31:18 Managing blood clots and treatments

33:54 Rise of PE response teams

37:42 Mechanical thrombectomy and its benefits

42:59 Discussing CTEPH symptoms and prevention

45:04 Tips for managing pulmonary embolism

49:48 Understanding pulmonary embolism risks