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.

Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Plant-based diets linked to key improvements in heart health, new study confirms

Vegetarian and vegan diets can lower an adult's risk of developing or dying from CVD, according to a new umbrella review of 21 different studies. Researchers believe these findings should be used to influence patient guidelines going forward. 

HeartFlow sharing new data on AI-enabled CAD management at TCT 2024

The California-based company, fresh off receiving expanded Medicare coverage and a new Category I CPT code for its AI offerings, will have a significant presence at TCT 2024. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

COVID from a patient's nasal passage. Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (gold) within endosomes of a heavily infected nasal olfactory epithelial cell. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Image courtesy of NIAID. What does COVID look like?

History of COVID-19 doubles long-term risk of heart attack, stroke or death

A patient's blood type appears to play a major role in their odds of developing cardiovascular issues after COVID-19, researchers found. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

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Obesity-related deaths on the rise in US—but there is good news for cardiologists

Deaths related to obesity have skyrocketed in the United States, especially among men. However, researchers identified positive progress when it came to the mortality rates for CVD, ischemic heart disease and heart failure/cardiomyopathy.

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AstraZeneca spends up to $1.9B for new heart disease drug

Early data suggest the drug, an oral lipoprotein (a) disruptor, could make a significant impact on patient care. AstraZeneca will pay $100 million upfront, with much more to follow if certain milestones are met. 

Ultrafast/high frame rate myocardial contrast echocardiography

Ultrafast myocardial contrast echocardiography shows early potential to evaluate CAD

Ultrafast MCE could go on to become a go-to treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, according to the authors of a new first-in-human clinical study.

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.