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.

Cardiology, radiology specialists debate CCTA’s rise as a go-to imaging modality for CAD
CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.
FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor
The new device was designed to help patients evaluate their own heart health in real time.
TAVR/PCI bests SAVR/CABG when treating severe AS and complex CAD
Percutaneous treatment was linked to improved survival and fewer adverse events than surgery when patients presented with both symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and complex coronary artery disease.
More vulnerable, but still treatable: Frail heart patients benefit from PCI, CABG
High-risk patients are often treated with medical therapy alone instead of revascularization. However, new data make it clear that these patients can live much longer when treated with PCI or CABG.
Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men
The heightened risks were even seen in women who were never diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. It remains unclear why the same trend was not seen in men.

Tofacitinib increases risk of heart issues, cancer among rheumatoid arthritis patients

The FDA and Pfizer worked together to develop this new analysis of more than 4,000 patients.

March 9, 2022

Severe financial strain more than doubles risk of death among heart attack patients

Screening for financial strain, researchers wrote, could help identify patients who need additional help.

March 1, 2022

How COVID-19 vaccination affects the risk of ED visits for cardiac, respiratory issues

The study's authors said their research “further highlights the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine overall.”

February 28, 2022

Cardiologists identify 162 genes responsible for coronary heart disease

The team's findings, one researcher said, "could eventually make a huge impact on many patients lives."

February 23, 2022

USPSTF shares updated recommendations on statin use to prevent CVD

The public comment period for these recommendations ends on March 21.

February 22, 2022

A study that analyzed patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in veterans showed outcomes for on-pump and off-pump procedures over 10 years to be similar. Photo by Jim Lennon

Debate over? On-pump CABG, off-pump CABG lead to similar 10-year outcomes

10-year data from the ROOBY study found that there was little difference in outcomes between the two forms of heart bypass surgery.

February 22, 2022

Ticagrelor alone after DAPT lowers bleeding risk among heart attack patients undergoing PCI

Researchers examined data from the TWILIGHT study to track how different treatment strategies can impact 12-month PCI outcomes.

February 16, 2022

Heart drug trimetazidine at center of Olympics controversy surrounding figure skater Kamila Valieva

Trimetazidine, typically prescribed for treating angina, is associated with increasing blood flow and improving endurance.

February 11, 2022

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Cardiology, radiology specialists debate CCTA’s rise as a go-to imaging modality for CAD

FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor

TAVR/PCI bests SAVR/CABG when treating severe AS and complex CAD

More vulnerable, but still treatable: Frail heart patients benefit from PCI, CABG

Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men