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.

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.
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.
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.
$Performing CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) improves the accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and helps limit unneeded invasive coronary angiography (ICA), according to a new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Heartflow$
New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates
Radiologists with Massachusetts General Hospital found that the selective use of cardiac CT and AI-based CAD evaluations could make a significant impact on patient care.

Anxiety disorder associated with quicker reaction to heart attack

Worrying about false dangers is mentally and emotional straining and can even increase a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. But when it comes to responding to actual emergencies like a heart attack, researchers have found anxiety disorder may be beneficial.

February 28, 2018

iPhone app aims to reduce MI readmissions

A new app hopes to reduce readmissions for MI by allowing patients to track medications, future appointments and lifestyle changes. It was unveiled at last week’s American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Summit in Las Vegas and aims to reduce readmissions for those who already experienced myocardial infarction (MI).

February 27, 2018

Troponin release during sepsis linked to early—but not late—death risk

Myocardial injury in sepsis patients was associated with a heightened risk of short-term mortality but not one-year mortality, according to a study in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

February 26, 2018

Eating yogurt may decrease the risk of CVD

At least two servings of yogurt per week can decrease the chances of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) by up to 30 percent in hypertensive adults, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension.

February 21, 2018

What to expect at ACC 2018

The name of the game at this year’s American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions is innovation. Between thousands of handpicked poster sessions, 20 late-breakers and a handful of featured clinical research trials, presenters will focus on the latest in cutting-edge cardiology, ACC leaders said at a Wednesday, Feb. 21 briefing.

February 21, 2018

Combination of AI, eye images could predict cardiovascular disease

Google researchers are testing an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that aims to predict a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke by examining images of the patient’s retina. They hope this method can eventually replace more invasive techniques for predicting cardiovascular disease.

February 20, 2018

Why is it more difficult to ID heart attacks in women?

Young women presenting to the hospital with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) report more non-chest related symptoms than men. Perhaps as a result of this complexity, patients and physicians are less likely to perceive those early symptoms as heart-related, according to a study published Feb. 19 in Circulation.

February 20, 2018

Meta-analysis: Combination of DOACs, antiplatelets only favorable for STEMI

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) provide additional benefit to antiplatelet therapy following acute coronary syndrome (ACS)—but only for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—according to a meta-analysis in JAMA Cardiology.

February 12, 2018

Around the web

Health Imaging

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Radiology Business

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Acute Coronary Syndromes

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

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

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

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke

New cardiac imaging strategy could reduce ICA, PCI rates

Around the web