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.

Thumbnail

Some older patients taking aspirin to prevent CVD may be doing more harm than good

“Aspirin is no longer a one-size-fits-all preventive tool for older adults," according to one specialist with Michigan Medicine. 

Using computed tomography (CT) to perform coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring can help identify symptomatic chest pain patients who do not require further testing, according to a new analysis published in Radiology.[1]

Coronary calcium scoring predicts when chest pain patients can skip invasive testing

Using CT to perform coronary artery calcium scoring on symptomatic chest pain patients can deliver significant value, according to a new data published in Radiology

AI artificial intelligence stethoscope doctor

FDA grants AI software for imaging-based heart assessments its breakthrough device designation

The new software was also added to the FDA's Tap Pilot program, an honor reserved for “high-quality, safe, effective and innovative medical devices."

Thumbnail

Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 adverse health outcomes, including CVD-related death and diabetes

Data from nearly 9.9 million participants were included in the team’s final analysis. The group emphasized the important role governments can play in trying to reverse the world's reliance on these products. 

Thumbnail

‘Just like smoking tobacco’: Cannabis use increases stroke risk by 42%, heart attack risk by 25%

“It can be a challenging discussion to have with patients because there is evidence that cannabis has some therapeutic properties," one researcher said. "However, as suggested by this study, cannabis use also has significant cardiovascular risks.”  

Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with coronary artery disease.

FDA approves Boston Scientific’s new drug-coated balloon for coronary in-stent restenosis

Interventional cardiologists have been anticipating this news for quite some time. The device, the first of its kind, provides an alternative treatment option to repeat PCI or cardiac surgery for patients with coronary ISR.

healthcare business deal

Cardiologists partner with imaging AI specialists to improve care for high-risk heart patients

The new collaboration is designed to ensure patients who may face an increased risk of heart disease receive the follow-up care they need.

Image of the A-FLUX Reducer System for chest pain by VahatiCor

Cardiologists make history, treat world’s first patient with new interventional device for chest pain

The self-expandable device was designed to treat “no-option” chest pain patients who see no long-term benefits from other interventions.