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.

Proactive CAD strategies fueled by calcium scores lead to benefits for intermediate-risk patients
Up to 50% of all patients face an intermediate risk of developing CAD, and the optimal treatment strategy for that population remains unclear. For this study, researchers explored data from more than 400 intermediate-risk patients with a family history of premature CAD.
AI-powered risk model evaluates long-term risk of coronary artery disease
The advanced machine learning model tracks more than 50 different factors to make its predictions. It has already been found to be more accurate than popular prediction methods for heart disease that are currently available.
Tracking major trends and clinical research in acute coronary syndrome care
Deepak Bhatt, MD, detailed several recent clinical trials that could reshape the way clinicians manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women
Coronary artery disease is both underdiagnosed and undertreated in women, and they often receive less guideline-recommended care than men. Why do these disparities persist? And what can today’s healthcare providers do to bring about change?

ADHD medications associated with heightened CVD risk

"Although the effectiveness of ADHD medications has been demonstrated ... concerns remain regarding their potential cardiovascular safety," one research explained.

Gene-editing therapy lowers cholesterol in high-risk heart patients—one dose could potentially last decades

While the therapy has been successfully tested on animals in the past, this study represents the first time it has been used on humans.

CVD deaths have increased dramatically, undoing years of progress

The COVID-19 pandemic undid years and years of progress in terms of preventing CVD-related deaths. What can be done to help reverse this trend once and for all?

Rasha Al-Lamee, MBBS, PhD, a cardiologist with the National Heart and Lung Institute in London

PCI benefits patients with stable chest pain, late-breaking data confirm

“Going forward, patients and medical teams have a choice of two pathways for chest pain relief: chest pain medication or PCI," one cardiologist said.

Cardiologists develop new way to evaluate heart risks—kidney function, metabolic health included for first time

One key difference between this new risk calculator and previous methods is that it does not consider a patient's race or ethnicity. It does, however, consider such factors as where the patient lives, their education and their income level.

artificial intelligence robot evaluates healthcare data

AI model for predicting sudden cardiac death more accurate than expected

The new-look algorithm, trained and validated with data from more than 25,000 patients, scans a patient's electronic health record and identifies signs of trouble.

FDA grants breakthrough device designation to AI-powered, retinal imaging-based CVD assessments

CLAiR offers physicians another way to evaluate a patient’s cardiovascular health: non-invasive retinal images captured during routine eye exams.

IVL gains higher level of reimbursement with one of biggest coding updates for PCI in decades

Intravascular lithotripsy therapy to break up calcified coronary lesions will now be reimbursed at a higher rate under new in-hospital codes the went into effect Oct. 1.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Proactive CAD strategies fueled by calcium scores lead to benefits for intermediate-risk patients

AI-powered risk model evaluates long-term risk of coronary artery disease

Tracking major trends and clinical research in acute coronary syndrome care

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women