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?

Procella Therapeutics and Smartwise Enter Collaboration With AstraZeneca to Develop Novel Cardiovascular and Catheter-based Therapies

STOCKHOLM, May 7, 2018 — In patients who have suffered from a heart attack, a large portion of heart cells die, which may cause heart failure and significant mortality and morbidity. The aim of the collaboration with the global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is to develop new ways of regenerating parts of the heart muscle that have been damaged by a heart attack, using Procella Therapeutics' stem cell technology, as well as novel catheter injection methods, using Smartwise's Extroducer catheter.

Movie director says marijuana helped him survive heart attack—but evidence doesn't back him up

Kevin Smith, a director known for movies such as “Clerks” and “Chasing Amy,” suffered a massive heart attack in February. Now, months after undergoing emergency surgery to treat 100 percent blockage in his left anterior descending artery, Smith has said marijuana might have helped him survive the ordeal.

Women underrepresented in clinical trials for heart failure, acute coronary syndrome

While women are equally or overrepresented in clinical trials for hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AFib) and pulmonary arterial hypertension, they are underrepresented in clinical trials for heart failure, coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Psoriasis treatments can decrease coronary plaque

Common therapies used in the treatment of psoriasis may help reduce coronary plaque, according to a new study presented April 26 at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2018 Scientific Sessions in San Diego.

Chill factor: Cardiac-related admissions, mortality increase in the winter months

Two studies suggest patients with cardiac-related hospitalizations—specifically for aortic dissection and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—are admitted more frequently and have higher mortality rates during winter months.

Researchers have identified what they believe is a molecular explanation for why cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs later in women than in men.

Nearly half of on-duty firefighter deaths are cardiac

About 47 percent of on-duty firefighter deaths are heart-related, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

Slow walking speed signals future hospitalizations for heart patients

Heart disease patients who are slow walkers are at a higher risk of hospitalization than their speedier counterparts, according to research presented April 20 at EuroPrevent 2018.

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