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.

Cardiologist heart

Cardiovascular disease still the No. 1 cause of death in the world

A new global report, based on data from 204 different countries and territories, has been published in full in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

December 13, 2022
Following a plant-based diet can significantly lower a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or dying from cardiovascular causes, according to new research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.[1] The study’s authors emphasized that a person can still occasionally eat meat, fish or dairy products and still see substantial benefits—the key is to keep such things to a minimum and embrace fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, teas and coffees.

DASH diet reduces long-term risk of heart disease

Following the DASH diet is associated with key health benefits, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

December 6, 2022
An inflated intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) with the Maquet Cardiosave system.

Supply chain problems: FDA warns of new shortage of intra-aortic balloon pumps, catheters and spare parts

Getinge has provided a detailed breakdown of the shortage, stating that it is not yet clear when it may be over. The FDA said it will keep a close eye on the situation and provide updates when possible. 

December 2, 2022
Chest X-ray. Using an explainable artificial intelligence (AI) model, researchers were recently able to accomplish highly accurate labeling on large datasets of publicly available chest radiograph X-rays.. 

New AI model calculates risk of heart attack or stroke using a single X-ray

“This type of screening could be used to identify individuals who would benefit from statin medication but are currently untreated," one specialist said. The full analysis will be presented at RSNA 2022 in Chicago. 

November 28, 2022
middle age patient and doctor

ADHD medications and CVD: Lessons learned from a new meta-analysis of nearly 4 million patients

The new study, published in JAMA Network Open, should help ease any concerns patients may have about regularly taking ADHD medications. 

November 23, 2022

New research raises doubts about the link between ‘good’ cholesterol and heart disease

Low HDL-C levels are commonly associated with increasing a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests this may not be the case for all patient populations. 

November 21, 2022
Patients who take diuretics, renin-angiotensin system (RAD) inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the same time face a much higher risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI)

FDA warns 7 companies for illegally selling dietary supplements that claim to treat CVD

The companies were given 15 days to provide an adequate response to the FDA's warning. The agency said its next step could include legal action. 

November 18, 2022
Cian McCarthy, MD, cardiovascular fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital, and a member of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain-MI registry steering committee, explains a study of the NCDR data showing only 33% of hospitals are using high-sensitivity troponin. However, he expects that to rise because of high sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) being included in recent guidelines as a front-line test.

VIDEO: High sensitivity cardiac troponin use based on the NCDR Chest Pain-MI Registry 

Cian McCarthy, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, and a member of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain-MI registry steering committee, explains a study of the NCDR data showing only 33% of hospitals are using high-sensitivity troponin.

November 17, 2022

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."

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