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.

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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).

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Menopause-related mitochondrial dysfunction ups CVD risk in older women

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