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Continuous and high-adherent statin users had lower baseline arterial stiffness which also grew more slowly over time, a new JAMA Network Open study finds.

All participants were free of ASCVD and had no history of statin use at the start of the study. 

pharmaceutical drug approval process

Pharmacists interact with patients on a regular basis and are seen as a trusted source of health information. Can they help cardiologists improve care for AFib patients? 

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TAVR was initially associated with greater benefits than surgery, but that difference faded by the end of the first year.

Community Hospital Munster

Munster, Indiana, is a thriving suburb 30 miles south of the heart of Chicago. It’s a place where the locals like to stay local, especially when it comes to healthcare. Patients in the area often turn to 454-bed Community Hospital, one of three acute-care hospitals part of Community Healthcare System. 

Lars Svensson, MD, PhD

Svensson, a prominent voice in cardiothoracic surgery, said he has seen a rise in enthusiasm ahead of this year's meeting.

Video of James Januzzi explaining the results of a new diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment in ACC 2024 late-breaking ARISE-HF trial. #ACC #ACC24 #ACC2024

James Januzzi Jr., MD, said the treatment's overall impact was neutral, but he and his team saw "a very clear and encouraging signal."

Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models can evaluate cardiovascular risk in routine chest CT scans without contrast, according to new research published in Nature Communications.[1] In fact, the authors noted, the AI approach may be more effective at identifying issues than relying on guidance from radiologists. Representative non-contrast CT slices for two patients (left), with super-imposed segmentations (right). One artificial intelligence (AI) model was used to segment a cardiac mask.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Researchers asked ChatGPT to make treatment decisions for patients with severe aortic stenosis, comparing its answers to the recommendations of a full heart team. 

Asher Kimchi, MD. Image courtesy of Cedars-Sinai.

Asher Kimchi, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, died on Oct. 7. His friends and colleagues shared loving tributes to his legacy. 

transcarotid TAVR TAVI transcatheter aortic valve replacement

The conventional transfemoral approach is not always possible during TAVR procedures, leaving care teams with an important decision to make. 

The Medtronic SelectSecure MRI SureScan Model 3830 cardiac lead already gained FDA approval for His-Bundle pacing back in 2018. Now, the lead is also approved for left bundle branch area pacing, providing users with another option when treating patients for bradycardia. According to Medtronic, this marks the first time the FDA has approved a device for this indication.

The company’s SelectSecure MRI SureScan Model 3830 cardiac lead already gained FDA approval for His-Bundle pacing back in 2018. Now, the lead is also approved for left bundle branch area pacing.

overnight night shift attending radiologist burnout. A new policy statement from the American College of Cardiology highlights the importance of career flexibility—including the ability to change hours or work responsibilities when necessary—for cardiologists of all ages. 

A new policy statement from the American College of Cardiology highlights the importance of career flexibility—including the ability to change hours or work responsibilities when necessary—for cardiologists of all ages. 

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Philips introduced a new CT system at ECR aimed at the rapidly growing cardiac CT market, incorporating numerous AI features to optimize workflow and image quality.