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.

Proactive CAD strategies fueled by calcium scores lead to benefits for intermediate-risk patients
Up to 50% of all patients face an intermediate risk of developing CAD, and the optimal treatment strategy for that population remains unclear. For this study, researchers explored data from more than 400 intermediate-risk patients with a family history of premature CAD.
AI-powered risk model evaluates long-term risk of coronary artery disease
The advanced machine learning model tracks more than 50 different factors to make its predictions. It has already been found to be more accurate than popular prediction methods for heart disease that are currently available.
Tracking major trends and clinical research in acute coronary syndrome care
Deepak Bhatt, MD, detailed several recent clinical trials that could reshape the way clinicians manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.
FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns
A catheter sheath detached during use and was left in the patient’s body. It was successfully removed, but the FDA said it is now evaluating the potential risk to others going forward. There is no official recall at this time.
Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women
Coronary artery disease is both underdiagnosed and undertreated in women, and they often receive less guideline-recommended care than men. Why do these disparities persist? And what can today’s healthcare providers do to bring about change?

New technique could reduce heart attack-induced heart failure

“The clinical implications of this discovery are significant,” one researcher said.

Marijuana use linked to worse outcomes for PCI, heart attack patients

PCI patients who used marijuana had an increased risk of bleeding events and stroke following the procedure.

A paradox at work: Obese patients experience best ACS outcomes

Underweight patients, meanwhile, had the highest mortality rates following hospitalization for ACS.

Why metoprolol should be the beta-blocker of choice for heart attack patients

While metoprolol was linked with limiting infarct size, two other beta-blockers—atenolol and propranolol—were not associated with such improvements.

Women receive less aggressive care, and are more likely to die, after heart attack-related cardiogenic shock

Overall, researchers found, women were less likely to undergo coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention and mechanical circulatory support than men.

A return to normalcy: Resuming sexual activity soon after a heart attack boosts survival

The study tracked nearly 500 patients for more than two decades.

Repeat heart attacks are down in the United States, especially among women

Recurrent coronary heart disease is also on the decline, according to a new analysis published in Circulation.

FDA fast-tracks empagliflozin for improving patient outcomes following a heart attack

The designation covers patients with and without diabetes.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Proactive CAD strategies fueled by calcium scores lead to benefits for intermediate-risk patients

AI-powered risk model evaluates long-term risk of coronary artery disease

Tracking major trends and clinical research in acute coronary syndrome care

FDA warns that certain coronary imaging catheters are being removed from market over safety concerns

Cardiology, radiology professionals unite to explore the challenges of diagnosing CAD in women