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ForwardCardiovascular APP Practice Update - September 3, 2026
Focusing on new and emerging antihypertensive therapies to help PAs/NPs understand indications, mechanisms, and integration into treatment algorithms for more effective BP control. Providing detailed updates on PCSK9 inhibitors and novel lipid therapies, emphasizing patient selection, clinical outcome data, and practical use in cases of statin intolerance, severe dyslipidemia, and persistent ASCVD risk. Reviewing evidence-based GDMT for both HFrEF and HFpEF, including titration strategies, sequencing, combination therapy, and overcoming barriers to achieving target doses. Highlighting emerging valvular heart disease procedures (e.g. transcatheter mitral and tricuspid interventions) to improve recognition of candidates for referral and understanding of peri-procedural management. Using case-based and guideline-aligned content to ensure learners can translate the latest evidence into consistent, high-quality clinical practice.
Target Audience
- Physician Associates
- Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced practice providers
Learning Objectives
- Review the AHA/ACC 2025 guidelines for hypertension management, causes of resistant hypertension, and novel device-based therapies, including renal denervation.
- Identify statin intolerance and alternative lipid management strategies, including available PCSK9 inhibitors: alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran.
- Discuss guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. The following drug classes will be discussed in detail: beta blocker (metoprolol, carvedilol, bisoprolol), ACE/ARB/ARNI (including lisinopril, losartan, and entresto), MRA (spironolactone, eplerenone), and SGLT2 (dapagliflozin and empagliflozin).
- Explain the percutaneous interventional options for aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve pathologies.
Course summary
- 0.75 NP PharmacologyNP Pharmacology credit.
- 2.25 NP Contact Hours
12:45-1:00 Welcome
Laura Lu, APNP
1:00-1:30 What the pacemaker can do for you (besides pacing)
This activity will review where to find device interrogations, how to review device interrogations, and what data to monitor on device reports.
1:30-1:45-q&a session
Maren Moore APNP and Monica Bertucci PA-C
1:45-2:15 Antianginal therapies update
This activity will review antianginal therapies, including: nitrates, ranolazine, Calcium channel blockers, OTC meds, alternative therapies
- Compare antianginal therapies used in contemporary cardiology practice.
- Select appropriate antianginal therapies based on patient-specific clinical indications.
- Explain the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and pharmacodynamic effects of antianginal therapies, including nitrates, ranolazine, calcium channel blockers, OTC products, and alternative therapies.
- Identify common adverse effects, contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions associated with antianginal therapies, including nitrates, ranolazine, calcium channel blockers, and OTC medications.
2:15-2:30 -q&a session
Svetlana Zaharova APNP, PhD
2:30-3:00 Advanced heart failure device therapy update
This activity will review the devices used in contemporary management of advanced heart failure as well as their indications.
3:00-3:15 q&a session
Jessica Jackson, APNP
Rachel Betthauser, APNP
3:15-4:00
Networking with Division APPs
4:00-4:30
APP Manager Updates
In accordance with the ACCME® Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Standard 3, all persons in control of content must disclose any relevant financial relationships. It is the policy of the Medical College of Wisconsin to identify, mitigate and disclose the absence or presence of all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies held by the speakers/presenters, authors, planners, and other persons who may influence content of this accredited continuing education. The following in control of content had no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Laura Lu, APNP
- Svetlana Zaharova, FNP
- Maren Moore APNP
- Monica Bertucci PA-C
- Maria Diener
- Rachel Betthauser, APNP
The following persons in control of content disclosed the following financial relationships which were reviewed via the MCW conflict of interest mitigation process and addressed:
Name | Company | Role |
| Jacquelyn Kulinski, MD | Novartis | Consultant |
| Jessica Jackson, APNP | CVRx - Barostim | Speaker |
AANP Credit Designation Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin is approved as a provider of nurse practitioner continuing education by the American Associated of Nurse Practitioners: AANP Provider Number 150930. This program has been approved for 2.25 contact hours of continuing education (which includes 0.75 hour of pharmacology).
Available Credit
- 0.75 NP PharmacologyNP Pharmacology credit.
- 2.25 NP Contact Hours
Price
HOW TO REGISTER:
Register at https://ocpe.mcw.edu. Select "Login" in the upper right corner and follow the prompts to log in to your existing account or create a new account. Then, select Cardiovascular APP Practice Update under “Featured Courses,” select "Register", and follow the prompts.