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.

Biotech startup aims to eradicate CAD with gene editing

A new biotech company out of Massachusetts is levering human genetics and genome editing to “turn the tide” of coronary artery disease (CAD), experimenting with CRISPR to stop CAD from ever developing in at-risk individuals.

Oral infections during childhood linked to CVD later in life

A study of more than 750 kids who were followed into their thirties has linked oral infections in childhood to CVD later in life—particularly subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

STEMI DTU trial greenlighted by the FDA

After a successful safety and feasibility trial run, the FDA granted approval April 26 to the STEMI DTU (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Door-to-Unloading) study, which will examine whether unloading the left ventricle prior to reperfusion can reduce myocardial damage and lead to fewer CV complications in STEMI patients.

Physicians often overlook statin guidelines for ASCVD patients

A little less than half of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients are treated for blood cholesterol according to 2013 clinical guidelines, with around half missing out on a statin prescription the guidelines would have recommended, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Stress disorders—including PTSD—linked to poor CV outcomes

Stress disorders like PTSD and adjustment disorder were linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a recent BMJ study, Reuters reports, with the greatest CV risk posed in the months directly after a patient is diagnosed with such a condition.

MicroRNAs could protect the heart after MI

MicroRNAs could be key to treating heart failure, according to a study out of Boston Children’s Hospital and Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China.

Long-term antibiotic use linked to greater risk of MI, stroke in women

Antibiotic use—particularly regimens that last for two months or more—was linked to an increased risk of CVD in a recent study of nearly 36,500 older women.

Eating late and skipping breakfast raises risk of death, repeat events in STEMI patients

Eating a late dinner and skipping breakfast could raise heart patients’ risk of a repeat MI or death by up to fivefold, according to research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology April 17.

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