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 may help patients with diabetes, heart disease live longer
Researchers focused on data from nearly 78,000 adults with cardiometabolic disorders, sharing their findings at ACC.25 in Chicago.
Oral semaglutide reduces heart risks while helping patients move past ‘fear of the needle’
Researchers still think patients should receive an injectable version of semaglutide when possible, but new data out of ACC.25 confirm that an oral formulation of the drug is associated with significant benefits.
FDA sees promise in new AI model for heart attack detection
Powerful Medical's advanced algorithm was designed to detect STEMI and STEMI-equivalent patterns in a patient’s ECG results.
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.

Fall, winter weather linked to increased risk of MI

Colder temperatures, stronger winds and fewer hours of sunlight could all raise a person’s risk of myocardial infarction, researchers reported in JAMA Cardiology.

Busiest EDs produce best outcomes for patients with chest pain

Patients evaluated for chest pain in busier emergency departments experience lower rates of death or hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at both 30 days and one year, according to a study published Oct. 23 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Researchers highlight possible ‘neglected risk factor’ for MI

Certain antiphospholipid antibodies were detected more often after heart attacks than for age-matched controls, suggesting the markers could be used to identify patients at high risk of myocardial infarction, according to a study published Oct. 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Canada introduces tiered CVD screening for high school athletes

Canadian physicians are calling for nationwide CVD screening for all competitive high school athletes, CTV News reported this week of new guidelines issued at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Toronto.

How much exercise is enough to counteract heart disease?

Patients with heart disease should aim to be physically active seven minutes for every 20 they’re sedentary to prolong life and prevent further cardiovascular damage, according to research presented at the 2018 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Toronto.

Novel risk predictor identifies likelihood of readmission after AMI

A novel risk score incorporating patient demographics and clinical characteristics known ahead of hospital discharge can accurately identify CVD patients at low and high risk for 90-day readmission after an initial acute MI (AMI), according to research published in the October edition of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Bedside troponin test can rule out AMI within 15 minutes

A point-of-care troponin assay that yields results within about 15 minutes was equally effective at ruling out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as a high-sensitivity troponin I test performed in a laboratory setting, researchers reported in JAMA Cardiology.

Elevated levels of cystatin C linked to 28% increased risk of CVD after ACS

Cystatin C (Cys-C), an alternative to renal markers like creatinine and glomerular filtration rate, can effectively predict a patient’s risk for adverse CVD events after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), researchers reported Oct. 12 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

Plant-based diets may help patients with diabetes, heart disease live longer

Oral semaglutide reduces heart risks while helping patients move past ‘fear of the needle’

FDA sees promise in new AI model for heart attack detection

Timing is everything: Delaying noncardiac surgery after a heart procedure reduces risks

Abbott makes IVL move as FDA approves new clinical trial