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.

Product Recall

FDA announces fourth recall of 2023 for troubled heart devices

This latest recall was brought on by electrical failures and includes more than 4,500 devices. There have been 26 complaints due to the issue but no reported injuries or deaths. 

August 10, 2023
Weekly doses of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor originally developed to treat diabetes, could help approximately 93 million U.S. adults lose weight and reduce their risk of adverse cardiovascular events, according to new research published in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy. Novo Nordisk sells and markets subcutaneous treatments of semaglutide 2.4 mg under the brand name Wegovy.

Weight loss drug semaglutide reduces risk of adverse cardiovascular events by 20% among overweight, obese patients

Weekly subcutaneous treatments of semaglutide, originally developed to treat diabetes, are sold and marketed under the brand name Wegovy.

August 8, 2023
Interventional cardiologists performing PCI

Colchicine before PCI: New research tracks the long-term impact on heart health

Researchers shared long-term follow-up data from the Colchicine-PCI trial, which compared colchicine administration before PCI with a placebo.

August 7, 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially endorsed the use of polypills—fixed combinations of multiple medicines contained in a single pill—for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, adding them to the latest edition of the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.

Cardiologists applaud WHO’s endorsement of polypills for CVD prevention

Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, one of the world’s most prominent cardiologists, said "it is now our responsibility to ensure these treatments are widely available and used by the medical community.”

August 3, 2023
Recall

FDA provides next steps in wake of blood test recall

According to the FDA, a limited number of unaffected blood tests are available if providers are unable to identify a better way forward. 

July 20, 2023
Product Recall

FDA announces Class I recall of nearly 8,000 heart attack tests due to inaccurate results

Overall, the recall includes 7,799 blood tests intended to help physicians identify early signs of a myocardial infarction. 

July 17, 2023
IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

Heart failure symptoms after PCI increase risk of adverse events

Researchers in Japan tracked BNP levels and bleeding events among more than 7,000 PCI patients. The group noted that managing heart failure in the first 30 days after PCI can help boost outcomes. 

July 7, 2023
AI artificial intelligence stethoscope doctor

AI model outperforms researchers’ ‘wildest dreams’ with accurate heart attack assessments

The algorithm, developed using data from more than 7,00 chest pain patients, performed better than multiple techniques currently used to evaluate cardiac events. 

June 30, 2023

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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