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.

Erin D. Michos, MD, associate director of preventive cardiology, division of cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and co-editor in chief of the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, discusses gender differences in heart disease presentations. Woman Heart Attack

Battle of the beta-blockers: Should doctors prescribe metoprolol or carvedilol after a heart attack?

Researchers explored data from more than 5,000 patients who were prescribed one of the two beta-blockers following an acute myocardial infarction.

February 22, 2021

Living an active lifestyle reduces chances of dying immediately after a heart attack

The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, included data from more than 28,000 patients.

February 17, 2021

Higher hospitalization rates for chest pain do not lead to better outcomes

Chest pain is one of the most common reasons adults in the United States visit the emergency department, leading to more than 7 million patient encounters each year.

January 22, 2021

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have collaborated on a new update to the much-discussed 2021 chest pain guidelines. The American College of Emergency Physicians and Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions also contributed to the document.

When perception is reality: Readmission rates higher among CVD patients who think they’ll be back

A new study in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes examines trends in readmission rates among CVD patients.

January 13, 2021

Smoking marijuana and tobacco linked to elevated levels of toxic chemicals

Smoking marijuana could be more harmful than many users realize, according to the new research.

January 11, 2021

Large peridevice leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are incredibly rare and not associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes, according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.[1] Smaller residual links are more common, however, and associated with a risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events.

Colchicine use proven beneficial for patients with coronary artery disease, according to new meta-analysis

Researchers explored data from more than 11,000 patients.

January 8, 2021

Telehealth patient. Telecardiology saw a major boost with during the COVID and many health systems now want to keep this care delivery tool post-pandemic.

How telehealth can boost care for heart attack patients

The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, highlighted one way telehealth can provide value after patients have been discharged from the hospital.

January 5, 2021

How virtual reality can help cardiologists treat coronary artery disease

According to Abbott, similar programs have improved cath lab learning engagement by 45%.

December 10, 2020

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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

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