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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Reducing care variability also shrinks gender gap in STEMI outcomes

A four-step protocol designed to improve care for all patients who experience ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) also reduced gender-specific disparities in suboptimal care and clinical outcomes, Cleveland Clinic researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Procella Therapeutics and Smartwise Enter Collaboration With AstraZeneca to Develop Novel Cardiovascular and Catheter-based Therapies

STOCKHOLM, May 7, 2018 — In patients who have suffered from a heart attack, a large portion of heart cells die, which may cause heart failure and significant mortality and morbidity. The aim of the collaboration with the global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is to develop new ways of regenerating parts of the heart muscle that have been damaged by a heart attack, using Procella Therapeutics' stem cell technology, as well as novel catheter injection methods, using Smartwise's Extroducer catheter.

Movie director says marijuana helped him survive heart attack—but evidence doesn't back him up

Kevin Smith, a director known for movies such as “Clerks” and “Chasing Amy,” suffered a massive heart attack in February. Now, months after undergoing emergency surgery to treat 100 percent blockage in his left anterior descending artery, Smith has said marijuana might have helped him survive the ordeal.

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Women underrepresented in clinical trials for heart failure, acute coronary syndrome

While women are equally or overrepresented in clinical trials for hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AFib) and pulmonary arterial hypertension, they are underrepresented in clinical trials for heart failure, coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Psoriasis treatments can decrease coronary plaque

Common therapies used in the treatment of psoriasis may help reduce coronary plaque, according to a new study presented April 26 at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2018 Scientific Sessions in San Diego.

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Chill factor: Cardiac-related admissions, mortality increase in the winter months

Two studies suggest patients with cardiac-related hospitalizations—specifically for aortic dissection and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—are admitted more frequently and have higher mortality rates during winter months.

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Menopause-related mitochondrial dysfunction ups CVD risk in older women

Researchers have identified what they believe is a molecular explanation for why cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs later in women than in men.

Nearly half of on-duty firefighter deaths are cardiac

About 47 percent of on-duty firefighter deaths are heart-related, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

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.