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.

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.
ChatGPT struggles to evaluate heart risk—but it could still help cardiologists
Relying on the AI-powered chatbot for heart assessments could be "dangerous," researchers warn, but the technology may still be helpful in certain situations.
Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke
All participants were free of ASCVD and had no history of statin use at the start of the study.
$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates
Radiologists with Massachusetts General Hospital found that the selective use of cardiac CT and AI-based CAD evaluations could make a significant impact on patient care.
Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments
CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.

Patients with especially high blood pressure may want to limit how much coffee they drink

Researchers explored nearly 20 years of data from more than 18,000 patients, sharing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

December 22, 2022

FDA announces recall of intra-aortic balloon pumps due to risk of cardiac arrest, stroke or death

The recall includes more than 2,000 devices distributed to customers in 2022. There have been 241 complaints, and 135 reported pump stops, related to this issue.

December 21, 2022

Cardiovascular disease still the No. 1 cause of death in the world

A new global report, based on data from 204 different countries and territories, has been published in full in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

December 13, 2022

Following a plant-based diet can significantly lower a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or dying from cardiovascular causes, according to new research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.[1] The study’s authors emphasized that a person can still occasionally eat meat, fish or dairy products and still see substantial benefits—the key is to keep such things to a minimum and embrace fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, teas and coffees.

DASH diet reduces long-term risk of heart disease

Following the DASH diet is associated with key health benefits, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

December 6, 2022

An inflated intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with the Maquet Cardiosave system.

Supply chain problems: FDA warns of new shortage of intra-aortic balloon pumps, catheters and spare parts

Getinge has provided a detailed breakdown of the shortage, stating that it is not yet clear when it may be over. The FDA said it will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates when possible.

December 2, 2022

Chest X-ray. Using an explainable artificial intelligence (AI) model, researchers were recently able to accomplish highly accurate labeling on large datasets of publicly available chest radiograph X-rays..

New AI model calculates risk of heart attack or stroke using a single X-ray

“This type of screening could be used to identify individuals who would benefit from statin medication but are currently untreated," one specialist said. The full analysis will be presented at RSNA 2022 in Chicago.

November 28, 2022

ADHD medications and CVD: Lessons learned from a new meta-analysis of nearly 4 million patients

The new study, published in JAMA Network Open, should help ease any concerns patients may have about regularly taking ADHD medications.

November 23, 2022

New research raises doubts about the link between ‘good’ cholesterol and heart disease

Low HDL-C levels are commonly associated with increasing a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests this may not be the case for all patient populations.

November 21, 2022

Acute Coronary Syndromes

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

ChatGPT struggles to evaluate heart risk—but it could still help cardiologists

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke

New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments