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?

Green tea component may prevent heart attack, stroke

A compound found in green tea can break up the plaque that causes atherosclerosis, according to research published May 31 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Getinge announces results from SEMPER FI pilot study of intra-aortic balloon pump showing numerical trend toward reduced mortality in patients with extensive myocardial infarction and persistent ischemia

WAYNE, N.J., May 25, 2018 — Getinge, a leading global provider of innovative medical technology, today announced results from the Survival Improvement in Extensive Myocardial Infarction with PERsistent Ischemia Following IABP Implantation (SEMPER FI) pilot study.

Study links marijuana to increased death risk among young MI sufferers

About 10 percent of people who suffer a type 1 myocardial infarction (MI) at age 50 or younger use cocaine or marijuana, according to a new study, and these individuals showed double the risk of cardiovascular or all-cause death over extended follow-up.

South Asians at increased risk for ASCVD than European ancestry counterparts

South Asians are more likely to die of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) than East Asians or people of European ancestry, according to a new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation on May 24.

Depression screening crucial for patients with CAD to control mortality, morbidity

New research from Florida State University suggests depression screening in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is especially crucial, because those individuals tend to have higher rates of morbidity and mortality.

Experts: Inflammation key to atherosclerosis—but more drug testing needed

Therapies targeting cholesterol and inflammation have both shown the ability to reduce cardiovascular events among patients with atherosclerosis, but more evidence is needed before anti-inflammatory drugs gain widespread use similar to statins, according to a consensus statement published May 14 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Industry leaders recommend collaboration with OB/GYNs for heart health

Annual well woman exams, traditionally performed by an OB/GYN, provide a “golden opportunity” for women to get their heart health evaluated, according to a new joint advisory issued by the head officials of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Reducing care variability also shrinks gender gap in STEMI outcomes

A four-step protocol designed to improve care for all patients who experience ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) also reduced gender-specific disparities in suboptimal care and clinical outcomes, Cleveland Clinic researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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