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.

Plant-based diets may help patients with diabetes, heart disease live longer
Researchers focused on data from nearly 78,000 adults with cardiometabolic disorders, sharing their findings at ACC.25 in Chicago.
Oral semaglutide reduces heart risks while helping patients move past ‘fear of the needle’
Researchers still think patients should receive an injectable version of semaglutide when possible, but new data out of ACC.25 confirm that an oral formulation of the drug is associated with significant benefits.
FDA sees promise in new AI model for heart attack detection
Powerful Medical's advanced algorithm was designed to detect STEMI and STEMI-equivalent patterns in a patient’s ECG results.
Timing is everything: Delaying noncardiac surgery after a heart procedure reduces risks
When patients require subsequent noncardiac surgery after a major heart operation, waiting at least 100 days is one way to limit the risk of an adverse event. Read the full analysis in JACC: Advances.
Abbott makes IVL move as FDA approves new clinical trial
Abbott has received an investigational device exemption from the FDA for a new clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of using its coronary IVL technology. The trial is expected to enroll up to 335 U.S. patients.

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology still safe, effective in patients with calcified nodules

Intravascular lithotripsy is still a safe and effective frontline preparation tool when PCI patients present with calcified nodules, a new two-year study confirmed. Researchers focused on stent expansion and luminal gain, among other key data points.

Mediterranean diet helps older adults live longer lives with fewer heart issues

The Mediterranean diet, named after the traditional eating habits of Greece and Italy, was once again linked to multiple cardiovascular benefits. The focus of this latest meta-analysis was adults over the age of 60.

Contrast injections during angiography, PCI unlikely to cause coronary injuries

The pressure changes associated with contrast injections are minimal, researchers noted, especially once you move away from the tip of the catheter.

SCAI celebrated William W. O'Neill, MD, and Cindy L. Grines, MD, two veteran interventional cardiologists who played key roles guiding the development of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a treatment for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Cardiologists reflect on developing primary PCI in face of criticism and pushback

SCAI celebrated cardiologists William W. O'Neill, MD, and Cindy L. Grines, MD, for the important roles they played in the development of primary PCI. “It was challenging,” Grines explained. “We had the pharmaceutical industry that was anti-primary angioplasty and we had a lot of our own colleagues that were anti-primary angioplasty."

Example of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) shown as part of the multimodality imaging capability on the Fujifilm CVIS.

IVUS-guided PCI reduces risks in patients with diabetes

PCI can be more challenging in high-risk patients presenting with diabetes and ACS. IVUS guidance was associated with improved outcomes among these patients compared to angiography guidance alone.

Predicting sudden cardiac death after a heart attack may be impossible—for now

Researchers tried to crack the code, but they fell short time and time again. AI may offer potential as one way to finally find an answer, they added.

money maze benjamin franklin reimbursement medicare

Payment cuts and beyond: Key takeaways for cardiologists from the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The American College of Cardiology has shared its perspective on new CMS payment policies, highlighting revenue concerns while providing key details for cardiologists and other cardiology professionals.

‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Plant-based diets may help patients with diabetes, heart disease live longer

Oral semaglutide reduces heart risks while helping patients move past ‘fear of the needle’

FDA sees promise in new AI model for heart attack detection

Timing is everything: Delaying noncardiac surgery after a heart procedure reduces risks

Abbott makes IVL move as FDA approves new clinical trial