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.

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.

USPSTF shares updated recommendations on statin use to prevent CVD

The public comment period for these recommendations ends on March 21.

February 22, 2022
A study that analyzed patient outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in veterans showed outcomes for on-pump and off-pump procedures over 10 years to be similar. Photo by Jim Lennon

Debate over? On-pump CABG, off-pump CABG lead to similar 10-year outcomes

10-year data from the ROOBY study found that there was little difference in outcomes between the two forms of heart bypass surgery. 

February 22, 2022
older male patient and doctor

Ticagrelor alone after DAPT lowers bleeding risk among heart attack patients undergoing PCI

Researchers examined data from the TWILIGHT study to track how different treatment strategies can impact 12-month PCI outcomes. 

February 16, 2022
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Heart drug trimetazidine at center of Olympics controversy surrounding figure skater Kamila Valieva

Trimetazidine, typically prescribed for treating angina, is associated with increasing blood flow and improving endurance.

February 11, 2022
Apixaban may be a more effective treatment option than rivaroxaban for patients presenting with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and valvular heart disease (VHD), according to a new analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Too much Tylenol? Daily acetaminophen use may be bad for hypertension patients

Daily acetaminophen use was associated with a “significant increase” in daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

February 9, 2022
Even patients who were never hospitalized for COVID-19 face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues. #longcovid

Long-term risk of heart attack, coronary artery disease or stroke much higher among COVID-19 patients

Even patients who were never hospitalized for COVID-19 face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues.

February 8, 2022
An example of the CV Wizard clinical decision support (CDS) software showing a screen designed to help patients better understand their risks and areas they need to work on. It is graphically based to enable patients who have a lower level of literacy better understand their cardiovascular risks, rather than using a long text report.

Clinical decision support may improve cardiac care at low-income community health centers

Evidence shows this technology has the potential to improve care for vulnerable patients with cardiovascular disease.

February 8, 2022
older female patient and doctor

What clinicians need to know about PCI, other revascularization techniques among women

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has shared a new expert consensus statement that highlights sex-specific considerations associated with revascularization

February 4, 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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