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
“CT-FFR makes the CT ‘better’, but we found that the benefits were highest when used selectively," one radiologist explained.
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.

FDA announces Class I recall of battery packs for intra-aortic balloon pumps

According to multiple customer complaints, the battery packs are failing before they should. This creates the potential for significant complications, including death.

November 2, 2021

ACC, AHA release long-awaited chest pain guidelines

The new guidelines stress the importance of more complete chest pain evaluations, patient communication and shared decision-making.

October 28, 2021

New research out of the Yale School of Public Health suggests that patients taking beta-blockers or antiplatelet medications may want to be extra careful in warmer weather.

Researchers, take note: Nonfatal MI not a surrogate for all-cause or cardiovascular mortality

The new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, examined data from 144 different randomized clinical trials.

October 26, 2021

Personalized clotting profiles could boost care for high-risk cardiac patients

The study, published in Blood Advances, suggests that a "one size fits all" approach to cardiac care could soon be a thing of the past.

October 21, 2021

Blood pressure targets may need to be personalized for each patient

“Our results suggest that BP targets may need to be modified depending on the CV outcome for which the patient is most at risk,” researchers said.

October 20, 2021

Functional iron deficiency an 'important risk factor' for CVD

The condition was also linked to all-cause mortality.

October 20, 2021

Task force: Aspirin not recommended to prevent first MI or stroke

Starting a daily aspirin regimen in people age 60 or older can cause potentially serious harm including internal bleeding, the USPSTF warned Tuesday.

October 12, 2021

New battery-powered device diagnoses heart attacks in just minutes

The portable sensor, developed by specialists at the University of Notre Dame and University of Florida, targets the patient's microRNA.

October 1, 2021

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New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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

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What does radiology have to do with climate change?

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."

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