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?

High-sensitivity troponin allows faster diagnosis of heart attack

A hospital protocol incorporating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) enabled a quicker rule-out of heart attack than a conventional troponin test, according to a research letter published online Aug. 6 in Circulation.

NASA, cardiologists collaborate on CVD risk calculator

Researchers have developed an online tool to more accurately calculate which middle-aged individuals are at the highest risk of heart attack or stroke during the next 10 years.

FDA clears Siemens’ high-sensitivity troponin diagnostic test for acute MI

Siemens Healthineers received FDA approval of its High-Sensitivity Troponin I assays (TnIH)1 for the Atellica IM and ADVIA Centaur XP/XPT in vitro diagnostic analyzers. The new troponin assays will allow physicians to correctly diagnose patients for acute myocardial infarction (MI).

SSRI use in ACS patients may prevent recurrent MI, death

Depressive patients who took escitalopram after acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related events had lower reoccurrences of major adverse cardiac events after eight years of follow-up, a group of Korean researchers reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Women with STEMI face more adverse CV events, higher mortality

Australian women with the deadliest type of heart attack, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), are less likely to receive invasive treatment, revascularization or preventive medication at discharge, researchers reported in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Heart attacks during pregnancy on the rise

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during pregnancy increased by 25 percent over a 12-year period, researchers reported in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Prior marijuana use may boost hospital survival of AMI—but it’s complicated

Marijuana use before an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) lowers the odds of in-hospital mortality by 21 percent, according to multicenter analysis of more than 1.2 million patients published in PLOS One.

Physical activity reduces risk of heart attacks—even in areas with high air pollution

Regular physical activity, even in areas with moderate to high levels of traffic pollution, is still effective in reducing the risk of first and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published online July 18 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

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