February 28, 2011 – Scientists have identified a protein that plays a key role in debilitating changes that occur in the heart after a heart attack, according to research reported in Circulation Research: Journal of the American Heart Association.

February 25, 2011 – Although it may seem like the flu, dizziness, nausea and achiness can be signs of a heart attack in women. While heart attacks affect both men and women, the symptoms of a heart attack are surprisingly different between the genders.

February 25, 2011 – A diagnostic test used to help treat patients with high cholesterol received CE mark approval in Europe. The KIF6 genotyping assay, from Abbott, detects a genetic marker that may be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and patient assessment for the identification of individuals at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

February 24, 2011 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will no longer require review or approval of technology that helps increase interoperability between devices and information systems. The move is being made to simplify the flow of information between medical devices and electronic medical record systems.

February 21, 2011 – Two drug-eluting coronary stent systems have been launched in India. Boston Scientific’s Promus Element everolimus-eluting stent system and Taxus Element paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system incorporate the same novel platinum chromium (PtCr) alloy. They also have the same stent design and advanced catheter delivery system.

February 21, 2011 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an endoprosthesis device for use on a lower profile delivery system. The Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis with Heparin Bioactive Surface, from W.L. Gore and Associates, is designed to percutaneously treat peripheral artery disease by relining the native vessel.