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.

$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
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.
Day 1 at ACC.24: Late-breakers examine potential new heart attack, heart failure treatments
ACC.24 in Atlanta began Saturday, April 6, with a series of late-breaking clinical trials exploring brand new treatment strategies.

Cardiologist-backed bill focused on the heart health of South Asian Americans gains momentum

After successfully making it through the House, the new legislation is now headed to the Senate.

August 1, 2022

How patient-reported physical and mental health affect coronary artery disease outcomes

Using patient-reported health scores may be able to help guide treatment decisions for patients presenting with coronary artery disease.

July 26, 2022

Programmable RNA-DNA anticoagulant fibers may provide a better balance between blood clots and bleeding risks

“We can learn from nature, but we have built something that has never been introduced before,” one researcher said.

July 19, 2022

Study suggests an increase in patient safety for heart attack patients

Care for heart patients shows considerable improvement, but 'bold reforms' still necessary

A new analysis found that patient safety has improved for many cardiac patients—but is it enough?

July 14, 2022

Nuclear stress tests provide significant value when treating CAD

A new study shows that patients with severe, stress-induced myocardial ischemia can see greater benefits from surgical interventions.

July 12, 2022

Most Americans, especially men, have suboptimal heart health

The American Heart Association has published a new analysis focused on diet, sleep, BMI, blood pressure and other crucial factors among adults and children in the United States.

June 29, 2022

Cancer survivors face a 42% higher risk of CVD

More aggressive CVD prevention tactics may make sense for people who have had certain types of cancer.

June 29, 2022

Sex-linked variation in RAP1GAP2 could help explain poor outcomes for women with heart disease.

Why does heart disease look different in women? This gene may provide the key

Sex-linked variations in the RAP1GAP2 gene could help explain poor outcomes for women with heart disease.

June 28, 2022

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Acute Coronary Syndromes

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

Day 1 at ACC.24: Late-breakers examine potential new heart attack, heart failure treatments

Around the web