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.

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. 

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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. 

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. 

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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. 

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FDA warns 7 companies for illegally selling dietary supplements that claim to treat CVD

The companies were given 15 days to provide an adequate response to the FDA's warning. The agency said its next step could include legal action. 

Cian McCarthy, MD, cardiovascular fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital, and a member of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain-MI registry steering committee, explains a study of the NCDR data showing only 33% of hospitals are using high-sensitivity troponin. However, he expects that to rise because of high sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) being included in recent guidelines as a front-line test.

VIDEO: High sensitivity cardiac troponin use based on the NCDR Chest Pain-MI Registry 

Cian McCarthy, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, and a member of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain-MI registry steering committee, explains a study of the NCDR data showing only 33% of hospitals are using high-sensitivity troponin.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams (2017-2021) spoke at the opening session of the American Heart Association (AHA) 2022 Scientific Sessions last week and said cardiologists need to help end the COVID pandemic and tackle the even bigger epidemic of hypertension. He highlighted hypertension and called it a clear public health emergency, causing more than 670,000 U.S. deaths per year. #AHA22 #hypertension

Former surgeon general says cardiologists need to address hypertension and remaining COVID cases

Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams spoke at the AHA 2022 Scientific Sessions and asked cardiologists to help end the COVID pandemic and tackle the even bigger epidemic of hypertension.

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Drinking coffee may increase the risk of coronary heart disease among men

Among women, on the other hand, drinking coffee may actual reduce the risk of CHD. The full meta-analysis, based on data from 32 different studies, was published in the American Journal of Cardiology.