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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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. 

CBD heart disease

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.

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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. 

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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.