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.

Heart attack patients see no benefits from stopping long-term beta-blocker therapy

Should patients stay on beta-blockers more than one year after a heart attack? The team behind the ABYSS clinical trial explored that very question, presenting its data at ESC Congress 2024.

Cardiac CT outperforms stress tests when screening liver transplant candidates for CAD

Heart issues are the No. 1 cause of death for liver transplant patients. Screening patients for signs of CAD is one way care teams can help keep such complications to a minimum. 

AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

FDA approves new AI-powered imaging software from Nanox subsidiary

According to Nanox.AI, previously known as Zebra Medical Vision, the updated software helps "bridge the divide between radiology and cardiology."

Interventional cardiologists in Canada have performed the world’s first implant of a new coronary sinus reducer designed to treat chest pain patients who see no benefits from other available interventional or surgical treatments. The A-Flux Reducer System was designed and developed by VahatiCor, a new medical device company associated with California-based T45 Labs.

Cardiologists detail world’s first implant of new device for ‘no-option’ chest pain patients

The A-Flux Reducer System by VahatiCor was designed to “conform seamlessly” to any patient’s anatomy, and it can be repositioned or retrieved as necessary.

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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.

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.