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.

CAD deaths on the rise among young women in rural areas

Women in rural parts of the United States have experienced an increase in premature coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

April 22, 2020

How should physicians treat STEMI patients with COVID-19? A new study aims to find out

A new international research study will focus on treatment strategies and outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with known or suspected COVID-19.

April 8, 2020

FDA approves new solution for reducing heart muscle damage after serious heart attacks

ZOLL Medical Corporation has gained FDA approval for its new SuperSaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy solution for treating heart muscle damage in “widowmaker” heart attacks patients.

March 31, 2020

Fewer treatments, higher readmission rates: Tracking outcomes for homeless patients after heart attacks

Homeless patients receive fewer treatments and experience higher readmission rates when hospitalized for a heart attack than other patients, according to new findings published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

March 25, 2020

Mental stress associated with repeat heart attacks, death from heart disease

The presence of mental stress is a key predictor of when MI patients may have a repeat MI or die from heart disease, according to new research highlighted by the American College of Cardiology.

March 19, 2020

Stem cell therapy revives cardiac muscle damaged during heart attacks

The Mayo Clinic researchers were "surprised" at how far the intervention restored the diseased hearts back to normal.

March 16, 2020

The more evidence-based advice MI patients follow, the longer they survive

Heart patients who follow all guideline-recommended medical advice after an MI are far more likely than their peers to survive for years after a heart attack, researchers reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association this month.

March 6, 2020

Irregular sleep doubles risk for CVD

Brigham and Women’s Hospital physicians have discovered that irregular sleep patterns can significantly hike a person’s risk for heart disease, even if they’re otherwise healthy.

March 2, 2020

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