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.

Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed
Researchers explored more than 52 years of data, highlighting several key trends in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
New report raises questions about data that helped heart drug gain FDA approval
Ticagrelor, an antiplatelet medication from AstraZeneca commonly prescribed by cardiologists, gained FDA approval back in 2011. The author of a new investigative report, however, is raising several concerns about the data used to secure that approval.
American College of Cardiology now supports early use of medication to treat obesity
The group highlighted the proven effectiveness of these drugs, especially semaglutide and tirzepatide, while noting that eligibility, affordability and availability will still play key roles in any treatment decisions.
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.

Drinking coffee linked to a much lower risk of heart disease, death

"Our findings indicate that drinking modest amounts of coffee of all types should not be discouraged but can be enjoyed as a heart-healthy behavior," said a cardiologist involved in the study.

Cardiac CT comparable to invasive angiography when assessing stable chest pain, new meta-analysis confirms

Researchers examined data from nearly 5,400 patients, tracking such outcomes as myocardial infarction, stroke and all-cause mortality.

Is CBD safe for patients with heart disease?

CBD is generally viewed as a safe, well-tolerated treatment option, but there is still limited research on how it interacts with other medications commonly prescribed by cardiologists.

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Aspartame, other artificial sweeteners linked to significant heart problems

These findings, researchers wrote, suggest that artificial sweeteners "should not be considered a healthy and safe alternative to sugar."

A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. These structural heart procedures require a team approach.

TAVR patients with CAD face a greater risk of death—is PCI the answer?

All-cause mortality after five years is much more likely if a TAVR patient presents with CAD, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Religion and spirituality linked to better heart health among Black Americans

“Religiosity and spirituality may serve as buffers to stress and have therapeutic effects," according to one Mayo Clinic cardiologist involved in the study.

How AI can boost care for female heart attack patients

Researchers used data from more than 420,000 patients to develop a new AI-powered risk score that could help women receive much better care.

ACC, AHA work to standardize the way cardiologists and their colleagues talk about chest pain

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have collaborated on a new update to the much-discussed 2021 chest pain guidelines. The American College of Emergency Physicians and Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions also contributed to the document.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed

New report raises questions about data that helped heart drug gain FDA approval

American College of Cardiology now supports early use of medication to treat obesity

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

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