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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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