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.

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American College of Cardiology shares expert analysis on treating ASCVD patients with multiple chronic conditions

The new guidance document was designed to help cardiologists and other clinicians deliver the best care possible when treating ASCVD patients who present with additional conditions that need to be considered. 

Leading cardiologists sound the alarm, say polypills could save millions of lives if made widely available

“This systemic failure is a global tragedy, as many premature deaths from CVD could be avoided,” one cardiologist said. 

Impella Heart Pump Abiomed RECOVER IV RCT cardiogenic shock

Impella heart pumps linked to improved high-risk PCI outcomes

Researchers examined data from patients who underwent high-risk PCI with either an Impella heart pump or an intra-aortic balloon pump.

cardiologist Peter J. Fitzgerald, MD, PhD, HeartBeam

Cardiac technology startup names cardiologist Peter Fitzgerald its chief medical officer

Fitzgerald, a leading figure in interventional cardiology, praised the company's potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. 

FFR-guided PCI provides significant value, new meta-analysis confirms

FFR-guided PCI was associated with improved resource utilization and less radiation exposure, among other benefits, when compared to angiography-guided procedures.

FDA recall. The medications involved are atenolol, which treats hypertension, and clopidogrel, which reduces the risk of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke among patients with a history of AMI, severe chest pain or circulation problems.

FDA announces recall of 2 cardiovascular medications due to labeling mix-up

Patients face a risk of adverse events if they mistakenly take the wrong medication, according to a new warning from the FDA. 

New recommendations highlight the importance of CCTA when treating acute chest pain in the ED

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography developed and published the new document to help educate healthcare providers who regularly treat acute chest pain in the emergency department. 

Impella Heart Pump Abiomed RECOVER IV RCT cardiogenic shock

Impella heart pumps boost survival up to 81% for cardiogenic shock patients

The heart pumps appear to provide significant benefits for patients with acute myocardial infarction- or myocarditis-related cardiogenic shock.