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.

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. 

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. 

Medicare money payment physician

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open. 

FDA grants new imaging tool for CTO interventions its breakthrough device designation

The new device delivers real-time OCT visualization during revascularization procedures.

ACC.24 sign American College of Cardiology

ACC.24: Impella CP boosts survival for patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock

“This is the first time in a very long time that we have a positive study for managing cardiogenic shock,” one cardiologist said. 

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.