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.

Lipoprotein(a) not linked to increased CVD risk in ACS patients after all

Although the atherogenic lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been associated with incident cardiovascular disease, its concentration doesn’t predict the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients receiving other therapies, a study published in JAMA Cardiology reports.

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Rebound hyperthermia dangerous for the neurological health of comatose heart patients

Postcardiac arrest patients who experience rebound hyperthermia (RH) after targeted temperature management (TTM) therapy could be at a greater risk for developing neurological disabilities, a study published in Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management states.

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Non-MI patients with elevated cardiac troponin remain at increased risk

Any detectable level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) measured in an emergency department (ED) was associated with worse long-term survival—even when not accompanied by acute conditions known to impact troponin levels—according to a Swedish study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Half of smokers continue the habit after a cardiovascular event

Half of habitual smokers who experience myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or other adverse cardiovascular events continue to smoke cigarettes after hospitalization, a study from South Korea has found.

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Diabetes may affect heart attack symptoms, delay diagnosis

Diabetics may feel less pain during a heart attack than other people, leading to inaccurate self-diagnoses and delays in seeking treatment, according to a small qualitative study published online in BMJ Open.

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Physicians in Argentina slash treatment time for heart attack patients using WhatsApp

A free messaging app is helping Argentinian doctors diagnose and treat heart attack patients more quickly, leading to reduced rates of mortality from sudden cardiac arrest.

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Young, white men who exercise excessively face risk for subclinical atherosclerosis

Young, white men could be at risk for plaque buildup and future subclinical atherosclerosis if they’re extremely active, a new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports.

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Sexual assault, natural disasters and other trauma linked to increased CVD risk in menopausal women

Traumatic experiences like sexual assault, car accidents and living through a natural disaster could increase risk of heart disease for menopausal women, according to research presented at this week’s North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

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