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 linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes
Diets that prioritize plant-based foods are associated with several health benefits, according to a new study of more than 3.4 million adults. Such diets also show potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients
One researcher described the study's findings as "one of the most significant advances in heart attack treatment in decades.”
New hypertension guidelines embrace early treatment, updated risk assessments and renal denervation
New ACC/AHA recommendations encourage clinicians to take a proactive approach when managing patients with elevated or high blood pressure. The inclusion of renal denervation in this document represents clear progress for a relatively new technology.
Gene discovery highlights connection between the kidneys and cardiovascular disease
“Our findings reveal how changes in cell metabolism and increased oxidative stress can activate damaging pathways in blood vessels," explained Xiaofeng Yang, MD, a researcher at Temple University.
Coronary sinus reducer linked to improvements in patients with refractory angina—but questions remain
Treatment with the device is consistently safe, but researchers still think more data is required before reaching any conclusions about its efficacy.

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.

Cannabis use increases risk of heart attack, stroke in young adults

“Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians' workup to understand patients' overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes,” one researcher said. Additional details will be presented at ACC.25 in Chicago.

Bracco updates HeartSee coronary flow capacity software with new diagnostic features

Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

American College of Cardiology shares new guidance focused on evaluation, management of cardiogenic shock

The new document represents the ACC’s first Concise Clinical Guidance; it was designed to be an easy-to-use reference for keeping track of a complicated topic.

Food insecurity increases risk of poor heart health in young adults

Food insecurity—lacking consistent access to the food needed to live an “active, healthy lifestyle”—impacts up to one in eight Americans each year.

Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.

FDA clears AI-assisted CCTA software that assesses plaques for signs of heart disease

Caristo Diagnostics, an Oxford-based medtech company founded by cardiologists, has gained FDA clearance for its CaRi-Plaque technology.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Plant-based diets linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes

Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients

New hypertension guidelines embrace early treatment, updated risk assessments and renal denervation

Gene discovery highlights connection between the kidneys and cardiovascular disease

Coronary sinus reducer linked to improvements in patients with refractory angina—but questions remain