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.

Christian M. Spaulding, MD, PhD, at TCT 2025

A promising SELUTION: Sirolimus-eluting balloon from Cordis makes impression at TCT 2025

The SELUTION SLR Drug-Eluting Balloon was the topic of two different late-breaking clinical trials at TCT 2025. Both studies found that the device was noninferior to traditional treatments after one year. Long-term data are still needed. 

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Poor oral health tied to much higher risk of heart attack, stroke

Regularly going to the dentist, researchers added, may reduce cardiovascular risks by a significant margin.

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PCI for eruptive calcified nodules: Drug-eluting stents, drug-coated balloons both linked to poor outcomes

In some cases, researchers noted, CABG may be a better treatment option. The group emphasized that alternative therapies are still needed to improve patient care. 

An Illinois appellate judge upheld a pervious trial victory that cleared and central Illinois cardiologist Amit Dande, MD, and Prairie Cardiovascular Consults LLP of alleged misdiagnosis of the severity of a patient's heart condition that led to his death prior to a schedule percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Judge files lawsuit over husband’s death—alleges heart symptoms were mismanaged

The patient reported chest pain multiple times and had a family history of heart disease. According to the lawsuit, however, he was never referred to a cardiologist. 

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Most adults know nothing about CKM syndrome—but it impacts nearly everyone

Nearly 90% of adults are believed to already have at least one risk factor of CKM syndrome. The American Heart Association hopes patient education and physician collaborations can help increase awareness about this dangerous condition.

approval regulations checkmark doctor

FDA approves oral semaglutide for reducing cardiovascular risks in adults with type 2 diabetes

Rybelsus from Novo Nordisk is officially the first oral GLP-1 drug approved for this indication. The FDA's decision was based on the SOUL trial, which included data from more than 9,000 patients with type 2 diabetes.

How mental health can influence cardiovascular health

Different subtypes of depression are association with specific cardiometabolic diseases, according to new data out of the Netherlands. 

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Plant-based diets linked to lower dementia risk for vulnerable heart patients

Adults with a history of CVD, type 2 diabetes and stroke were all associated with a lower dementia risk if they ate a whole food, plant-based diet. The study, published in JACC: Advances, was based on data from more than 71,000 U.K. Biobank participants.