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.

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World Health Organization urges countries to limit salt intake to reduce risk of CVD, hypertension

The group wants countries to implement population-wide changes that can keep salt intake to a minimum. It estimates that such policies could save up to 900,000 lives in just a few years. 

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Mammogram findings linked to heightened risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and hypertension

The new research, presented during ARRS 2024 in Boston, suggests CVD risk models may need to include certain findings identified in routine mammograms. 

AI-based CAD assessments dramatically improve vascular surgery outcomes

PAD patients evaluated with HeartFlow's noninvasive FFRCT Analysis technology prior to surgery experienced much better outcomes, including a 63% lower risk of all-cause mortality after five years. 

doctor fruits vegetables vegetarian diet

Even lenient plant-based diets can help older adults live longer

Healthy diets that prioritize plant-based foods were associated with reductions in both all-cause mortality or CVD mortality. Diets do not have to be strictly vegan or vegetarian to make that impact, researchers noted. 

PCI interventional cardiology

Radial vs. femoral access during PCI: Real-world data show proof of a ‘sea change’ in cardiology

The use of radial access during PCI procedures is increasing throughout the United States, and new data presented at the SCAI's annual meeting suggest that could be beneficial for patients. 

PAD patients face greater risk of death, complications after a heart attack

PAD and CLI patients who show signs of coronary heart disease may benefit from early treatment, according to a new study of nearly 4 million hospitalizations. 

artificial intelligence in cardiology

ChatGPT struggles to evaluate heart risk—but it could still help cardiologists

Relying on the AI-powered chatbot for heart assessments could be "dangerous," researchers warn, but the technology may still be helpful in certain situations. 

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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. 

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.