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.

Too much Tylenol? Daily acetaminophen use may be bad for hypertension patients

Daily acetaminophen use was associated with a “significant increase” in daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

February 9, 2022

Long-term risk of heart attack, coronary artery disease or stroke much higher among COVID-19 patients

Even patients who were never hospitalized for COVID-19 face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues.

February 8, 2022

An example of the CV Wizard clinical decision support (CDS) software showing a screen designed to help patients better understand their risks and areas they need to work on. It is graphically based to enable patients who have a lower level of literacy better understand their cardiovascular risks, rather than using a long text report.

Clinical decision support may improve cardiac care at low-income community health centers

Evidence shows this technology has the potential to improve care for vulnerable patients with cardiovascular disease.

February 8, 2022

What clinicians need to know about PCI, other revascularization techniques among women

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has shared a new expert consensus statement that highlights sex-specific considerations associated with revascularization.

February 4, 2022

'Foaming' cells may help researchers evaluate CVD risk

The team hopes its efforts can improve the way we predict a patient's risk of heart attack or stroke.

February 2, 2022

How healthy lifestyle choices can limit the risk of CHD

Researchers focused on the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 recommendations.

January 31, 2022

Cells work too hard to repair the body after a heart attack, causing issues—researchers think they can help

“The neutrophils are misguided and they overreact," one expert said. "How can we tame them?"

January 6, 2022

Marijuana use linked to greater risk for atherosclerotic CVD

Researchers tracked data from 7,159 patients in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, sharing their findings in The American Journal of Cardiology.

January 4, 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