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.

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke
All participants were free of ASCVD and had no history of statin use at the start of the study.
$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates
Radiologists with Massachusetts General Hospital found that the selective use of cardiac CT and AI-based CAD evaluations could make a significant impact on patient care.
Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments
CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.
FDA grants new imaging tool for CTO interventions its breakthrough device designation
The new device delivers real-time OCT visualization during revascularization procedures.
ACC.24: Impella CP boosts survival for patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock
“This is the first time in a very long time that we have a positive study for managing cardiogenic shock,” one cardiologist said.

Interventional cardiologists performing PCI

New ACC/AHA/SCAI guidance highlights training requirements for interventional cardiologists

The document, which was designed to help guide both interventional cardiology trainees and program directors, was also endorsed by several other industry societies.

February 22, 2023

The evolution of care: 3 key takeaways from a new survey of cardiologists, health leaders and CVD patients

The report, developed by Abbott, examined everything from AI to social determinants of health. One key finding was that patients grade their overall satisfaction with a physician or hospital based on much more than the effectiveness of their treatment.

February 21, 2023

How CAD, PCI affect TAVR outcomes among men and women

According to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology, complex CAD appears to affect long-term TAVR outcomes much more for women than it does for men.

February 14, 2023

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network, recently announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Complete Care to acquire a majority of its long-term care facilities.

High-risk patients ineligible for bypass surgery see ‘profound improvements’ after PCI

High-risk patients with complex CAD who are ineligible for CABG can still see substantial benefits from PCI.

February 13, 2023

artificial intelligence AI deep learning ChatGPT OpenAI Microsoft Google

Cardiologists ask popular AI model ChatGPT to answer questions about cardiology

Can ChatGPT discuss preventive cardiology with patients? Cardiologists with Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University put the popular AI model to the test, sharing their findings in JAMA.

February 9, 2023

Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

New guideline on mechanical circulatory support tackles device selection, ethical dilemmas and more

The Heart Failure Society of America and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation worked together on the document, hoping their recommendations serve as a "critical roadmap" for clinicians.

February 8, 2023

A heart attack is caused when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked with a clot.

A key step forward: Researchers ID the genes responsible for CAD

The team hopes its findings can lead to significant progress in the war against fatty plaques.

February 2, 2023

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) therapy to break up calcified coronary lesions will now be reimbursed at a higher rate under new in-hospital codes the went into effect Oct. 1. Illustration of the Shockwave lithoplasty procedure using sonic waves to bust calcium without trauma.

Coronary IVL now recommended at all cath labs, even those without surgical backup

The latest SCAI guidance on the safety of PCI procedures included a key change that could expand coronary IVL utilization throughout the United States.

February 1, 2023

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Acute Coronary Syndromes

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke

New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

FDA grants new imaging tool for CTO interventions its breakthrough device designation

ACC.24: Impella CP boosts survival for patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock

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