Acute Coronary Syndromes

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is most commonly caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction) where blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked. This is usually caused by a blood clot from a ruptured coronary artery atherosclerotic plaque. Other causes include spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which most commonly occurs in women. ACS is usually treated in a cath lab with angioplasty and the placement of a stent to prop the vessel open.

Mammogram findings linked to heightened risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and hypertension
The new research, presented during ARRS 2024 in Boston, suggests CVD risk models may need to include certain findings identified in routine mammograms.
$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes
PAD patients evaluated with HeartFlow's noninvasive FFR_CTAnalysis technology prior to surgery experienced much better outcomes, including a 63% lower risk of all-cause mortality after five years.
Even lenient plant-based diets can help older adults live longer
Healthy diets that prioritize plant-based foods were associated with reductions in both all-cause mortality or CVD mortality. Diets do not have to be strictly vegan or vegetarian to make that impact, researchers noted.
Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology
The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients.
PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack
PAD and CLI patients who show signs of coronary heart disease may benefit from early treatment, according to a new study of nearly 4 million hospitalizations.

Researchers have identified what they believe is a molecular explanation for why cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs later in women than in men.

April 23, 2018

Nearly half of on-duty firefighter deaths are cardiac

About 47 percent of on-duty firefighter deaths are heart-related, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

April 20, 2018

Slow walking speed signals future hospitalizations for heart patients

Heart disease patients who are slow walkers are at a higher risk of hospitalization than their speedier counterparts, according to research presented April 20 at EuroPrevent 2018.

April 20, 2018

Medicare now covers a supervised exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to CMS, a decision that will likely result in other insurers following this example.

It’s not too late: Exercise after heart attack cuts mortality risk

Increasing physical activity after a heart attack could halve a person’s risk of dying over the following four years, suggests research presented April 19 at EuroPrevent 2018, a European Society of Cardiology congress.

April 19, 2018

Continuous and high-adherent statin users had lower baseline arterial stiffness which also grew more slowly over time, a new JAMA Network Open study finds.

Women less likely to receive recommended doses of statin following MI

Despite recent efforts to eliminate sex-based treatment differences in cardiovascular care, women remain less likely to receive a high-intensity statin following myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published online April 16 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

April 17, 2018

Wildfire smoke may cause spike in CVD events

Smoke from wildfires may trigger heart- and stroke-related events, particularly among seniors, suggests data from the 2015 California wildfire season published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

April 11, 2018

Outcome Health, WomenHeart partner to bring CV info to minorities

Chicago-based Outcome Health announced a collaboration with advocacy group WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, to “provide actionable educational information” to cardiology providers across Outcome Health’s network of providers.

April 3, 2018

Can social isolation, loneliness be associated with cardiovascular disease?

Socially isolated and lonely individuals face increased risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke compared to those with personal networks, according to new research published online March 27 in Heart. Those with a history of AMI and stroke are also at an increased risk for death.

March 30, 2018

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Mammogram findings linked to heightened risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and hypertension

AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes

Even lenient plant-based diets can help older adults live longer

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack