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.

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke
All participants were free of ASCVD and had no history of statin use at the start of the study.
$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
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.

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

High cholesterol at a young age increases your risk of CHD later in life

Maintaining optimal levels of LDL-C during young adulthood and middle age is one way to limit the risk of coronary heart disease.

September 23, 2021

Efpeglenatide lowers risk of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes

The medication was also associated with a reduced number of renal events.

September 8, 2021

Marijuana use among older adults is associated with a heightened risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, according to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology. “Marijuana use increases sympathetic nervous system activity and inhibits cardiac parasympathetic innervation, resulting in elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and an increase in myocardial oxygen demand.

Heart attacks more common among young adults who use marijuana—but a key question remains

Researchers tracked data from more than 33,000 adults under the age of 45.

September 8, 2021

Young adults with metabolic syndrome face a heightened risk of colorectal cancer

The new analysis, published in The American Journal of Cardiology, included data from more than 58,000 young adults with metabolic syndrome.

September 7, 2021

Ultra-processed foods linked to heart disease, especially among people with unhealthy diets

Researchers tracked data from 2,020 participants who consumed an average of approximately 15 servings of ultra-processed foods per week.

September 2, 2021

Flu vaccine after heart attack reduces risk of death

Getting a flu shot after a myocardial infarction should become standard procedure for hospitalized patients, experts said Monday.

August 30, 2021

A new look at vitamin D supplements and heart attack risk

Yes, researchers confirmed, providing supplements to patients with a vitamin D deficiency can improve their risk of death—and even their risk of a heart attack.

August 23, 2021

Around the web

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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

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke

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

Around the web