Olivia Hanson: Looking ahead, what trend do you think will most shape cardiovascular pharmacy practice over the next 5 years?
Craig Beavers, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology: There’s a lot of exciting innovation coming—injectables, gene therapy, and other therapies that could truly change the care paradigm. AI is also playing a growing role.
Kristen Campbell, PharmD, BCPS, CPP, FACC: Twenty years ago, we would have avoided injectables whenever possible. Now, patients can be educated to administer these medications at home. They’ll need our guidance and support to do that safely. Beyond that, new technology in patients’ everyday lives will require us to help interpret data and educate effectively.
Key Takeaways for Pharmacists
- Adopt comprehensive medication management. Treat patients holistically, reviewing medications across conditions to reduce gaps, avoid duplications, and optimize outcomes.
- Embrace emerging therapies and technology. Prepare to educate and guide patients in the use of injectables, gene therapies, and AI-driven tools to improve adherence and understanding.
- Leverage education and collaboration. Stay current through guidelines, professional organizations, and peer networks, using these resources to inform patient care and build innovative pharmacy services.
Glenn Herrington, PharmD, FACC, FHFSA, BCCP, CPP, HFCert: I agree. The biggest trend, in my view, is comprehensive medication management—looking at the patient as a whole. Whether a patient is seen for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or hypertension, we need to step back and assess their overall medication regimen. Are there unnecessary medications we can remove? Are there therapies that could address multiple conditions? Treating patients as unique individuals and managing their medications comprehensively is gaining momentum, and I believe it will continue to shape practice.
Hanson: For pharmacists watching, what’s one practical, high-impact action they can take tomorrow to elevate cardiovascular care?
Beavers: Familiarize yourself with the latest guidelines and tools like the ASCVD risk calculator, and learn how to interpret them—it’s a great first step.
Campbell: Set yourself up to receive new data in a manageable way. We’re bombarded with trial results, new therapies, and technology updates. Finding a smart, personalized method to stay current prevents information overload and ensures you can act on the most important updates.
Herrington: If you’re a new pharmacist starting a service, focus on one high-risk population—whether hypertension or hyperlipidemia—and commit to comprehensive management. Success with one population will build trust, generate referrals, and expand your impact over time.
Hanson: How do education, guidelines, and professional collaboration help pharmacists stay prepared as cardiovascular care evolves?
Campbell: Collaboration is critical. “Phoning a friend” for guidance can help you make the best decisions for patients. It can also lead to research opportunities or insights from services at other institutions. Organizations like the ACC [American College of Cardiology] and work groups like the PharmD group provide invaluable networking and educational resources to strengthen pharmacists as providers.
Beavers: I agree completely with Kristen—she nailed it.
Herrington: Yes, it’s true. Even among cardiology pharmacists, professional networks extend beyond routine work, helping balance support, mentorship, and collaboration.
