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.

Cardiology, radiology specialists debate CCTA’s rise as a go-to imaging modality for CAD

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

HeartBeam, a California-based healthcare technology company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its cable-free, credit card-sized heart monitor that produces 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs).

FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor

The new device was designed to help patients evaluate their own heart health in real time.

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TAVR/PCI bests SAVR/CABG when treating severe AS and complex CAD

Percutaneous treatment was linked to improved survival and fewer adverse events than surgery when patients presented with both symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and complex coronary artery disease. 

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More vulnerable, but still treatable: Frail heart patients benefit from PCI, CABG

High-risk patients are often treated with medical therapy alone instead of revascularization. However, new data make it clear that these patients can live much longer when treated with PCI or CABG.

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Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men

The heightened risks were even seen in women who were never diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. It remains unclear why the same trend was not seen in men.

The use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still safe and effective when patients present with calcified nodules (CNs), according to new long-term data published in EuroIntervention.[1] Researchers compared outcomes from patients with and without CNs, highlighting key similarities in stent expansion and luminal gain.

Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology still safe, effective in patients with calcified nodules

Intravascular lithotripsy is still a safe and effective frontline preparation tool when PCI patients present with calcified nodules, a new two-year study confirmed. Researchers focused on stent expansion and luminal gain, among other key data points.

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Mediterranean diet helps older adults live longer lives with fewer heart issues

The Mediterranean diet, named after the traditional eating habits of Greece and Italy, was once again linked to multiple cardiovascular benefits. The focus of this latest meta-analysis was adults over the age of 60.

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Contrast injections during angiography, PCI unlikely to cause coronary injuries

The pressure changes associated with contrast injections are minimal, researchers noted, especially once you move away from the tip of the catheter. 

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.