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.

Plant-based diets linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes
Diets that prioritize plant-based foods are associated with several health benefits, according to a new study of more than 3.4 million adults. Such diets also show potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients
One researcher described the study's findings as "one of the most significant advances in heart attack treatment in decades.”
New hypertension guidelines embrace early treatment, updated risk assessments and renal denervation
New ACC/AHA recommendations encourage clinicians to take a proactive approach when managing patients with elevated or high blood pressure. The inclusion of renal denervation in this document represents clear progress for a relatively new technology.
Gene discovery highlights connection between the kidneys and cardiovascular disease
“Our findings reveal how changes in cell metabolism and increased oxidative stress can activate damaging pathways in blood vessels," explained Xiaofeng Yang, MD, a researcher at Temple University.
Coronary sinus reducer linked to improvements in patients with refractory angina—but questions remain
Treatment with the device is consistently safe, but researchers still think more data is required before reaching any conclusions about its efficacy.

cannabis use disorder marijuana joint weed smoking

Cannabis is bad for the heart—should the risk be taken more seriously?

Use of the drug more than doubles a person's risk of dying from heart disease, according to a new analysis of 24 different studies. In a separate editorial, two physicians shared their concerns and highlighted the importance of discussing these risks with patients.

Eli Lilly to acquire gene-editing specialists focused on CVD for up to $1.3B

The company has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics for an upfront payment of approximately $1 billion. The total could increase significantly, however, if certain milestones are met. One of Verve's biggest gene therapies has already received the FDA's fast track designation.

Meditation linked to ‘real, lasting benefits’ for high-risk heart patients

A popular meditation technique may help high-risk patients protect their hearts for up to 10 years, according to a new randomized controlled trial published in Frontiers in Medicine.

milli-spinner thrombectomy designed to target blood clots by engineers with Stanford University

Tiny clot-busting robots could transform care for stroke and heart attack patients

The robots are capable of swimming through a patient’s vascular system and removing blood clots. “It’s unbelievable," one Stanford researcher said. "This is a sea-change technology that will drastically improve our ability to help people.”

Medtronic drug-coated balloon gains multiple new approvals

The Prevail DCB has been cleared to use in dozens of countries around the globe, but it has not yet been approved by the FDA.

The Shockwave Medical M5+ new peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter cuts procedures times in half and was showed for the first time at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2022 meeting. It is designed to break up calcium in heavily calcified arteries to avoid the need for vessel trauma caused by high pressure angioplasty.

IVL delivers significant value for women, real-world data confirm

Researchers tracked data from nearly 400 women with complex CAD who underwent treatment with Shockwave Medical's intravascular lithotripsy technology prior to PCI.

Heart patients, stroke survivors may live longer if they stay active after hospital discharge

Some patients struggle to bounce back after being hospitalized, but too much sedentary behavior could cause their health to get even worse. The research teams behind two separate studies are highlighting the importance of staying active.

Robotic PCI confirmed to be both safe and effective in new comprehensive analysis

Researchers reviewed years of data from two different Corindus systems, highlighting the consistently high clinical and technical success rates.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Plant-based diets linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes

Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients

New hypertension guidelines embrace early treatment, updated risk assessments and renal denervation

Gene discovery highlights connection between the kidneys and cardiovascular disease

Coronary sinus reducer linked to improvements in patients with refractory angina—but questions remain