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.

Thumbnail

Diets high in plant-based fats may help adults live longer with healthier hearts

Even just replacing 5% of your daily fat from animal sources with plant-based fats was found to make a significant impact.

Images coronary calcium imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-definition intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

OCT-guided PCI improves survival after life-threatening heart attacks

Researchers explored data from nearly 4,000 STEMI patients, noting that optical coherence tomography may be a valuable first step of any treatment strategy. 

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Managing stable angina: How cardiologists can find the right mix of revascularization, therapy and interventions

The management of stable angina has been evolving at a rapid rate. Using a one-size-fits-all strategy is becoming a thing of the past, replaced by a patient-centered approach that requires open communication and a healthy understanding of recent clinical research.

The Shockwave Medical M5+ new peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter cuts procedures times in half and was showed for the first time at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2022 meeting. It is designed to break up calcium in heavily calcified arteries to avoid the need for vessel trauma caused by high pressure angioplasty.

Intravascular lithotripsy, the technology at heart of $13B acquisition, linked to positive real-world data

The calcified plaque-shattering technology developed by Shockwave Medical continues to gain momentum. As more care teams start using IVL during PCI, researchers are paying close attention to its long-term impact on patient care.

Thumbnail

CVD hospitalizations linked to much higher risk of depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts

Individuals are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within one year of a CVD hospitalization, according to new data published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Bariatric surgery improves heart health, survival in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

A team of Cleveland Clinic specialists tracked data from more than 13,000 patients, focusing on all-cause mortality and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

New CVD risk calculator could end statin therapy eligibility for millions of heart patients

The new PREVENT CVD risk calculator could result in more than 16 million heart patients who are no longer eligible for preventive therapy. These significant changes “carry the potential for both benefit and harm," researchers wrote in JAMA.

Biolimus A9 Coated Balloon from BioAscend

In-stent restenosis after PCI: New biolimus-coated balloon non-inferior to paclitaxel devices

A new study of nearly 300 PCI patients suggests biolimus-coated balloons could provide significant value to interventional cardiologists in the years ahead.  

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.