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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Those with IBD twice as likely to have heart attack

A new study to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 67thAnnual Scientific Session suggests individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for heart attack, irrespective of traditional risk factors including elevated cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and smoking.

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Could erratic weather patterns be a risk factor for heart attacks?

Global warming and climate change may have an effect on more than just our weather patterns and politics.

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Internet search trends reflect geographic, seasonal changes in heart disease

In the age of WebMD and other online health resources, many people turn to the internet for self-diagnosis. And now, researchers have found a way to potentially leverage consumers’ search data.

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Apple-shaped women at greater risk for heart attack

Though obesity is a factor for heart attack for everyone, women are at a greater risk with a larger waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, according to new research from the Journal of the American Heart Association.

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.

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).

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.

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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.

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.