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Home › Conditions › Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Part of Myocardial ischemia

Subtypes of Coronary Artery Disease

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention 7 Calcified Coronary Lesions 2 Coronary bifurcation lesions 2 Spontaneous coronary artery dissection 2 Angina with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease 1 Angina with nonobstructive coronary arteries 1 Bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention 1 Complex Coronary Artery Disease 1 Complex coronary artery lesions 1 Complex Coronary Lesions 1 Complex percutaneous coronary intervention 1 Coronary artery aneurysm 1 Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) 1 Coronary artery calcification 1 Coronary artery lesion 1 Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease 1 Coronary bifurcation stenosis 1 Coronary slow flow phenomenon 1 Established coronary artery disease 1 Extensive coronary artery disease 1 Giant coronary artery aneurysms 1 High-risk coronary revascularisation 1 Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease 1 Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis 1 Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) 1 Non-ischemic heart diseases 1 Non-obstructive coronary artery disease 1 Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome 1 Noncomplex coronary bifurcation lesions 1 Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease 1 Post-percutaneous coronary intervention 1 Unprotected left main coronary artery disease 1 Vasospastic coronary heart disease 1 Complex coronary bifurcation lesions 0 Coronary artery fistula 0 De novo non-complex coronary artery disease 0 High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention 0 Intermediate coronary artery stenoses 0

146 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Coronary Artery Disease

476 trials tracked for Coronary Artery Disease: 164 in phase 3 or 4 and 55 with published results. The most-cited published study has 2995 citations.

476Trials tracked
164Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
55With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 88 Phase 3 76 Phase 2 62 Phase 1 14 Other / NA 236
  1. Phase 3 Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT) Completed · 2,995 cited
  2. Phase 3 Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes After Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With AVE0010 (Lixisenatide) Completed · 2,359 cited
  3. Phase 3 Prevention of Serious Adverse Events Following Angiography Completed · 504 cited
  4. Phase 3 The Stabilization Of pLaques usIng Darapladib-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 52 Trial Completed · 456 cited
  5. Phase 3 Imaging of Coronary Plaques in Participants Treated With Evolocumab Completed · 434 cited
  6. Phase 4 Tailored Antiplatelet Therapy Following PCI Completed · 411 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 A Multicenter Clinical Trial of Allopurinol to Prevent Kidney Function Loss in Type 1 Diabetes Completed · 369 cited
  2. Phase 4 Reduction in YEllow Plaque by Aggressive Lipid LOWering Therapy Completed · 278 cited
  3. Phase 3 A Phase 3 Clinical Outcomes Study to Compare the Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Subjects Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Losmapimod Compared to Placebo (LATITUDE-TIMI 60) Completed · 244 cited
  4. Phase 4 The ENIGMA II Trial:Nitrous Oxide Anaesthesia and Cardiac Morbidity After Major Surgery: a Randomised Controlled Trial Completed · 222 cited
  5. Phase 4 Anti-inflammatory Effects of Colchicine in PCI Completed · 182 cited
  6. Phase 4 Colchicine in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Completed · 182 cited
  7. Phase 3 Effect of RVX000222 on Time to Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in High-Risk T2DM Subjects With CAD Completed · 166 cited
  8. Phase 3 A Phase 3 Multi-center Study to Assess PET Imaging of Flurpiridaz F 18 Injection in Patients With CAD. Completed · 141 cited
  9. Phase 3 Evaluation of Varenicline (Champix) in Smoking Cessation for Patients Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome (EVITA) Trial Completed · 136 cited
  10. Phase 4 Evaluate Carotid Artery Plaque Composition by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in People Receiving Cholesterol Medication Completed · 129 cited
  11. Phase 3 Study to Investigate CSL112 in Subjects With Acute Coronary Syndrome Completed · 125 cited
  12. Phase 4 Pharmacological Effects of Crushing Prasugrel in STEMI Patients Completed · 124 cited
  13. Phase 3 Ranolazine for Incomplete Vessel Revascularization Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Completed · 116 cited
  14. Phase 3 An International Study to Evaluate Diagnostic Efficacy of Flurpiridaz (18F) Injection PET MPI in the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Completed · 102 cited
  15. Phase 3 A Study to Assess the Effectiveness and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Reducing the Risk of Death, Myocardial Infarction or Stroke in Participants With Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease Following an Episode of Decompensated Heart Failure Completed · 97 cited
  16. Phase 4 Evaluation of Effect of Alirocumab on Coronary Atheroma Volume in Japanese Patients Hospitalized for Acute Coronary Syndrome With Hypercholesterolemia Completed · 87 cited
  17. Phase 4 EVOLVE Short DAPT Study Completed · 68 cited
  18. Phase 4 The Platelet Aggregation After tiCagrelor Inhibition and FentanYl Trial (PACIFY) Completed · 67 cited
  19. Phase 4 ISCHEMIA-Chronic Kidney Disease Trial Completed · 63 cited
  20. Phase 3 Targeting Inflammation Using Salsalate in CardioVascular Disease Completed · 61 cited
  21. Phase 4 Switching From Ticagrelor to Clopidogrel in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Completed · 57 cited
  22. Phase 3 Effects of Ranolazine on Coronary Flow Reserve in Symptomatic Diabetic Patients and CAD Completed · 50 cited
  23. Phase 3 GLOBAL LEADERS: A Clinical Study Comparing Two Forms of Anti-platelet Therapy After Stent Implantation Completed · 50 cited
  24. Phase 3 Glutamate for Metabolic Intervention in Coronary Surgery Completed · 46 cited
  25. Phase 4 Reversing Ticagrelor's Effects With Fresh Platelets Completed · 44 cited
  26. Phase 3 Metformin to Reduce Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction Completed · 42 cited
  27. Phase 3 Effect of Dalcetrapib vs Placebo on CV Risk in a Genetically Defined Population With a Recent ACS Completed · 39 cited
  28. Phase 4 Effect of Methylnaltrexone on the PK/PD Profiles of Ticagrelor in Patients Treated With Morphine Completed · 36 cited
  29. Phase 4 PD and PK Profiles of Switching Between Cangrelor and Ticagrelor Following Ticagrelor Pre-treatment Completed · 35 cited
  30. Phase 4 A Pharmacodynamic Study Comparing Prasugrel Versus Ticagrelor in Patients Undergoing PCI With CYP2C19 Loss-of-function: Completed · 27 cited
  31. Phase 4 Ranitidin Versus Omeprazole in Patients Taking Clopidogrel Completed · 26 cited
  32. Phase 4 Pharmacodynamic Effects of Low-dose Rivaroxaban With Antiplatelet Therapies Completed · 23 cited
  33. Phase 4 Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic of Switching From Cangrelor to Prasugrel in ACS Patients Undergoing PCI Completed · 21 cited
  34. Phase 4 AngioSeal Versus Radial Approach in Acute Coronary Syndrome Completed · 18 cited
  35. Phase 4 Tailoring P2Y12 Inhibiting Therapy in Patients Requiring Oral Anticoagulation After PCI Completed · 16 cited
  36. Phase 4 Effects of Linagliptin on Endothelial Function Completed · 16 cited
  37. Phase 4 PROMUS Element Plus US Post-Approval Study Completed · 16 cited
  38. Phase 4 Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Completed · 15 cited
  39. Phase 4 The Influence of Febuxostat on Coronary Artery Endothelial Dysfunction in Participants With Chronic Stable Angina Completed · 15 cited
  40. Phase 4 A Study of Stress Echocardiography in Post-Menopausal Women at Risk for Coronary Disease Completed · 11 cited
  41. Phase 4 Switching From DAPT to Dual Pathway Inhibition With Low-dose Rivaroxaban in Adjunct to Aspirin in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Completed · 10 cited
  42. Phase 4 A Study of Apixaban in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation, Not Caused by a Heart Valve Problem, Who Are at Risk for Thrombosis (Blood Clots) Due to Having Had a Recent Coronary Event, Such as a Heart Attack or a Procedure to Open the Vessels of the Heart Completed · 9 cited
  43. Phase 3 Reduction of Ischemic Myocardium With Ranolazine-Treatment in Patients With Acute Myocardial Ischemia Completed · 9 cited
  44. Phase 4 Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Effects of Ticagrelor in Patients With Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease Completed · 8 cited

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 476 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Coronary Artery Disease: what the trials found

In patients with coronary artery disease, a 3-month course of dual anti-platelet therapy did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality (68 vs 87 events, p=0.1232) or non-cardiovascular death including fatal bleeding (27 vs 29, p=0.7789) compared to a longer regimen 1. Clopidogrel was studied in a large phase 4 trial (N=5276) but no specific outcome data are provided here 14. Standard-of-care lipid therapy significantly reduced the maximum LCBI (change 2.4 vs -149.1, p=0.01) and lesion LCBI (8.0 vs -22.5, p=0.02) compared to control 15. Nitrous oxide did not significantly reduce a composite of death and cardiovascular events at 30 days (283 vs 296 events) 16. Colchicine showed mixed results: it did not significantly change IL-6 at 30 min-1 hr post-PCI (0% vs 20%, p=0.31) but increased IL-6 at 22-24 hr (76% vs 338%) and hsCRP (11% vs 66%) 17; however, another trial reported a significant reduction in peri-procedural myocardial necrosis with colchicine (118 vs 122, p<0.05) 18. Atorvastatin did not significantly reduce a composite of cardiovascular endpoints (6 vs 6, 7 vs 7, 11 vs 9 events) 19. Prasugrel significantly reduced P2Y12 reaction units (95 vs 164, p=0.022) and platelet reactivity index (33% vs 61%, p=0.005) compared to control 20. Alirocumab did not significantly change normalized total atheroma volume (-3.14% vs -4.79%, p=0.2279) or percent atheroma volume (-1.28 vs -1.42) 21. Fentanyl was studied but no outcome data are provided 22.

Intravenous sedatives were investigated in a small phase 4 trial (N=30) but no outcome data are available 2. A decision support system (DSS) was tested in 1139 patients for optimization of lipid-lowering therapy within 16 weeks of acute coronary syndrome, with results reported across multiple subgroups 10. The BuMA Supreme DES showed a target lesion failure rate of 5.4% with constituent elements including cardiac death (0.3%), target vessel MI (0.8%), and clinically driven TLR (4.2%) 12. Regadenoson was studied in 20 patients but no outcome data are provided 13.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • A polypill (phase 2, N=140) did not significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol (-6.74 vs 0.53, p=0.27) or platelet reactivity (0.55 vs 0.76, p=0.88), and adherence by self-report was not significantly different (0.61 vs 0.21, p=0.47) 3.
  • Orticumab (phase 2, N=77) showed variable changes in Psoriasis Area Severity Index across doses, with no clear dose-response; treatment success by sIGA was 1 participant in each group, and PASI75/50 responses were inconsistent 4.
  • Quercetin (phase 2, N=100) was studied but no outcome data are available 5.
  • TEE probe (phase N/A, N=40) was investigated but no outcome data are provided 6.
  • Center-based cardiac rehab (phase N/A, N=206) was studied but no outcome data are available 7.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Short-term dual anti-platelet therapy (3 months) did not significantly reduce mortality or non-cardiovascular death compared to longer therapy, suggesting equipoise in duration decisions 1.
  • Standard lipid-lowering therapy significantly reduced coronary lipid content (LCBI) 15, while alirocumab did not show significant changes in atheroma volume 21.
  • Colchicine may reduce peri-procedural myocardial necrosis 18 but its effect on inflammatory markers is inconsistent 17.
  • Prasugrel effectively reduces platelet reactivity compared to control 20.

AI synthesis of 19 cited trials, updated Jun 23, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

Coronary Artery Disease: current evidence & treatments

Pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly worsens outcomes in kidney transplant recipients, increasing all-cause mortality (HR 1.68) and post-transplant cardiovascular events 1. In the general CAD population, higher pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) is associated with worse outcomes after PCI for acute coronary syndrome, including MACE (aHR 1.65) and all-cause mortality (HR 3.51) 3. Additionally, systemic lupus erythematosus elevates CAD risk (RR 2.355) 18, and breast arterial calcification on mammography predicts higher cardiovascular event risk in women (HR 1.82) 7. Active cancer in ACS patients is linked to higher mortality, though PCI may mitigate risk 23.

Pharmacological interventions show benefit: colchicine reduces MACE and myocardial infarction in CAD without increasing serious adverse events 4. Inclisiran plus usual care improves LDL-C goal attainment after ACS (74.6% vs 26.6% at Day 90) 16. Ticagrelor is approved for multiple indications, including ACS and high-risk CAD 24. Exercise, particularly high-intensity interval aerobic exercise, improves brachial FMD in CAD and heart failure 2. Regarding revascularization strategies, polymer-free and biodegradable-polymer DES show comparable outcomes in PCI 5, while drug-coated balloons (DCB) are associated with higher target lesion revascularization compared to DES (OR 2.22) 19. In bifurcation lesions, paclitaxel drug-coated balloons reduce MACE versus limus-eluting stents 8, and the jailed balloon technique may reduce side-branch occlusion compared to jailed wire 22. OCT guidance in left main bifurcation disease showed non-significant MACE reduction versus angiography 21.

Residual angina occurs in 42.2% of patients after anatomic complete revascularization for chronic coronary disease 17. Serum resistin levels rise progressively with worsening CAD severity 9. Pre-infection COVID-19 vaccination is linked to lower cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event risks in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals 11. In severe aortic stenosis with CAD, PCI before TAVR reduces revascularization but increases bleeding risk 13. Sudden cardiac death risk in marathon runners is higher in men, older runners, and full-marathon participants, with CAD as the predominant cause in middle-aged and older runners 10. Strategic collaborations are needed to expand interventional cardiology access in sub-Saharan Africa 20.

Key drugs in the evidence

aspirin 5 paclitaxel 4 ticagrelor 4 clopidogrel 4 sirolimus 4 statin 3 heparin 2 ramipril 2 colchicine 2 SGLT2 inhibitors 2

Latest findings

AI-generated synthesis of 20 cited studies, updated Jun 12, 2026. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Real-time heart team decision making maintains noninferiority of 1-year MACCE in complex CAD
Cardiology RCT
Real-time heart team decision making maintains noninferiority of 1-year MACCE in complex CAD Real-time heart team meetings improve care for coronary artery disease
This randomized controlled trial of 490 patients with de novo left main or 3-vessel coronary artery disease found that real-time heart team …
A new way of coordinating heart teams during surgery can cut patient wait times and costs without changing clinical safety outcomes.
Jun 25, 2026
IVUS-guided PCI did not significantly reduce target-vessel failure compared to angiography-guided PCI
Cardiology RCT
IVUS-guided PCI did not significantly reduce target-vessel failure compared to angiography-guided PCI Trial shows IVUS guidance does not reduce risk for heart patients
This randomized controlled trial of 2020 patients undergoing complex PCI found that IVUS-guided PCI with stent-optimization criteria resulte…
New data suggests that using special ultrasound imaging during complex heart procedures may not lower the risk of major complications.
Jun 13, 2026
Pre-transplant coronary artery disease increases all-cause mortality and post-transplant cardiovascular events in kidney recipients
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Pre-transplant coronary artery disease increases all-cause mortality and post-transplant cardiovascular events in kidney recipients Pre-existing heart disease increases risks for kidney transplant patients
This meta-analysis of 112,416 kidney transplant recipients found that pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with signific…
Patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease face significantly higher risks of death and graft failure after receiving a kidney trans…
Jun 10, 2026
High-intensity interval aerobic exercise improves brachial FMD in coronary artery disease and heart failure
Physical Medicine & Rehab Sys. Review
High-intensity interval aerobic exercise improves brachial FMD in coronary artery disease and heart failure High intensity interval training improves blood flow in heart patients
This network meta-analysis of 6,818 adults with coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure found that high-intensity interval aerobic …
Specific types of intense exercise may improve blood vessel function for people living with heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Jun 9, 2026
Higher pan-immune-inflammation value linked to worse outcomes after PCI for ACS
Allergy & Immunology Meta-analysis
Higher pan-immune-inflammation value linked to worse outcomes after PCI for ACS High inflammation scores predict worse heart outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18,715 adults with acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI found that higher pan-immune-inflammat…
A new analysis shows higher inflammation markers predict death and heart failure in adults with acute coronary syndrome undergoing heart pro…
Frontiers Jun 6, 2026
Colchicine reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease without increasing serious adverse events
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Colchicine reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease without increasing serious adverse events Low-dose colchicine reduces heart attack risk for coronary artery disease patients
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes. The ana…
A large analysis shows low-dose colchicine lowers major heart events for coronary artery disease patients without increasing serious risks, …
Jun 1, 2026
Sirolimus and paclitaxel-coated balloons show similar outcomes for coronary in-stent restenosis
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Sirolimus and paclitaxel-coated balloons show similar outcomes for coronary in-stent restenosis Sirolimus and paclitaxel balloons show similar results for heart disease
This GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 3,633 participants with coronary artery disease found no notable variations betwe…
Two drug-coated balloons for coronary artery disease work about equally well, a new analysis finds.
Jun 1, 2026
Polymer-free and biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stents show comparable outcomes in PCI
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Polymer-free and biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stents show comparable outcomes in PCI New review shows polymer-free stents work like biodegradable ones for heart patients
A meta-analysis compared polymer-free drug-eluting stents (PF-DES) with biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) in patients under…
A large study of over 11,000 patients found that polymer-free stents are just as safe as older biodegradable ones. Doctors saw no major diff…
Jun 1, 2026
Placlitaxel drug-coated balloons reduce MACE and revascularization versus limus-eluting stents in bifurcation lesions
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Placlitaxel drug-coated balloons reduce MACE and revascularization versus limus-eluting stents in bifurcation lesions Drug-coated balloons cut heart risks for side branch lesions better than stents
This meta-analysis reviews data from patients with side branch lesions in true coronary bifurcations undergoing percutaneous coronary interv…
A review of 898 patients shows drug-coated balloons significantly reduce heart risks compared to stents for specific coronary artery blockag…
Jun 1, 2026
Breast arterial calcification on mammography predicts higher cardiovascular event risk in women
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Breast arterial calcification on mammography predicts higher cardiovascular event risk in women Calcium on mammograms signals higher heart risk for women
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated breast arterial calcification (BAC) in women across approximately 25,000 participants in …
Calcium seen on mammograms links to higher heart attack risk in women. This large review found a strong connection between breast arterial c…
Jun 1, 2026
Mini review examines sudden cardiac death risks in marathon runners across different age groups
Cardiology Sys. Review
Mini review examines sudden cardiac death risks in marathon runners across different age groups Marathon running links to higher heart risk in older men and full-distance participants
This mini review synthesizes evidence on sudden cardiac death (SCD) and coronary artery disease in marathon runners. The authors note that r…
A review of marathon runners shows heart risks vary by age, sex, and race distance, with most events happening near the finish.
Frontiers May 28, 2026
Serum resistin levels rise progressively with worsening severity of coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction in this meta-analysis
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Serum resistin levels rise progressively with worsening severity of coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction in this meta-analysis High blood resistin levels linked to heart disease severity in large analysis
A network meta-analysis of 9,169 subjects reveals that serum resistin levels increase stepwise as coronary heart disease severity worsens. W…
A large network meta-analysis found that higher serum resistin levels are linked to worse coronary heart disease and acute heart attacks.
Frontiers May 28, 2026

Research across Myocardial ischemia

Related studies from across the Myocardial ischemia family.

Off-pump CABG reduces mortality risk and stroke risk in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Off-pump CABG reduces mortality risk and stroke risk in patients with left ventricular dysfunction Off-pump heart surgery shows lower death risk for weak hearts
This meta-analysis of 35,863 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤40%) fou…
A large review of over 35,000 patients suggests off-pump heart surgery may reduce mortality and stroke risks for those with weakened heart m…
Jul 1, 2026
IVUS-guided PCI shows no significant difference over angiography-guided PCI for primary outcomes
Cardiology RCT
IVUS-guided PCI shows no significant difference over angiography-guided PCI for primary outcomes Trial shows ultrasound imaging adds no benefit for heart surgery
This randomized controlled trial of 806 patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease found that IVUS-guided PCI did not signi…
A large trial found that using ultrasound guidance during certain heart procedures did not improve safety or outcomes compared to standard m…
Jun 11, 2026
Staged revascularization shows no significant difference versus immediate revascularization for major adverse cardiovascular events in STEMI and MVD patients
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Staged revascularization shows no significant difference versus immediate revascularization for major adverse cardiovascular events in STEMI and MVD patients Timing of heart surgery does not change survival for a specific heart attack group
This meta-analysis reviewed 5077 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease comparing …
A large review found that waiting for staged heart surgery did not improve survival or reduce heart attacks compared to immediate surgery fo…
Jun 1, 2026
Olezarsen showed no significant difference versus placebo in noncalcified plaque volume change over 12 months in adults with moderate hypertriglyceridemia
Cardiology RCT
Olezarsen showed no significant difference versus placebo in noncalcified plaque volume change over 12 months in adults with moderate hypertriglyceridemia New trial shows olezarsen did not reduce plaque volume compared to placebo in adults with high triglycerides
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 468 adults with moderate hypertriglyceridemia and followed them for 12 months. The primar…
A study of 468 adults found that taking olezarsen did not lower plaque volume better than taking a dummy pill. Safety was also similar betwe…
May 19, 2026
OCT guidance showed non-significant MACE reduction in true unprotected left main bifurcation disease compared to angiography
Cardiology RCT
OCT guidance showed non-significant MACE reduction in true unprotected left main bifurcation disease compared to angiography Doctors used special imaging tools to help place stents in heart arteries safely
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 227 patients with true unprotected left main bifurcation lesions. Optical coherence tomography (OC…
A study tested using optical coherence tomography to guide stent placement in complex heart artery cases. While the imaging was mostly succe…
May 15, 2026
Five-year economic and quality of life outcomes favor PCI with zotarolimus stents over CABG in 3-vessel CAD
Cardiology RCT
Five-year economic and quality of life outcomes favor PCI with zotarolimus stents over CABG in 3-vessel CAD Five-year follow-up reveals lower costs and better employment for PCI over surgery in complex heart disease
This randomized trial compared fractional flow reserve-guided PCI using zotarolimus drug-eluting stents with coronary artery bypass grafting…
Patients with complex heart disease treated with stents had lower costs and better quality of life than those who had surgery after five yea…
Apr 29, 2026
Retrospective cohort finds inverse triglyceride relationship with mortality in left main coronary artery disease
Cardiology Cohort
Retrospective cohort finds inverse triglyceride relationship with mortality in left main coronary artery disease Low Fat, High Risk: Why Less Triglyceride Means Longer Life
This retrospective cohort study evaluated 2,778 patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary interventio…
Imagine your heart is a busy highway. For years, doctors thought high cholesterol was the only traffic jam causing crashes.
Frontiers Apr 23, 2026
Narrative review outlines practical framework for combined lipid and anti-inflammatory therapy in coronary atherosclerosis
Cardiology Sys. Review
Narrative review outlines practical framework for combined lipid and anti-inflammatory therapy in coronary atherosclerosis Your Heart Has a Hidden Fire
This narrative review examines the role of colchicine and IL-1β inhibitors in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.
Doctors now know you must fight two enemies at once: the bad fats in your blood and the hidden inflammation that makes them dangerous.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Narrative mini-review discusses mechanisms driving coronary atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Narrative mini-review discusses mechanisms driving coronary atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus Why Lupus Can Speed Up Heart Disease, Even in Young People
This narrative mini-review synthesizes mechanistic insights regarding the link between systemic lupus erythematosus and coronary atheroscler…
Understanding how lupus harms blood vessels could help prevent heart attacks in people who don’t look high-risk.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
FFR-guided complete revascularization reduces unplanned revascularization in MI patients with multivessel CAD
Cardiology Meta-analysis
FFR-guided complete revascularization reduces unplanned revascularization in MI patients with multivessel CAD Complete Heart Repair May Stop Future Emergencies
A meta-analysis of 3,054 patients with myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease found that FFR-guided complete revascul…
Fixing all blocked heart arteries during surgery may stop future emergencies and unplanned procedures for patients with heart attacks.
Apr 15, 2026
Ticagrelor Not Noninferior to Prasugrel in Diabetes Patients With Multivessel CAD After PCI
Cardiology RCT
Ticagrelor Not Noninferior to Prasugrel in Diabetes Patients With Multivessel CAD After PCI New study shows ticagrelor did not beat prasugrel for heart attack prevention in diabetics
This randomized clinical trial of 1,800 patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing PCI compared ticagrelor pl…
For diabetics with heart stents, a new study found ticagrelor offered no clear advantage over prasugrel in preventing death, heart attacks, …
JAMA Cardiol Apr 9, 2026
iFR-guided CABG improves mid-term graft patency versus angiography alone in multivessel disease
Cardiology RCT
iFR-guided CABG improves mid-term graft patency versus angiography alone in multivessel disease Can a simple test during heart surgery help grafts stay open longer?
A single-blinded RCT in patients with multivessel disease and intermediate stenoses found iFR-guided CABG significantly improved LIMA-to-LAD…
A simple pressure test during heart surgery keeps new blood vessel grafts open longer, with 80.5% staying clear versus 56.8% with standard i…
medRxiv Apr 5, 2026

Questions about Coronary Artery Disease

Is having lower blood pressure at the start of treatment linked to higher risk in stable CAD?

Yes, a post-hoc analysis of the AFIRE trial found that in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable CAD, lower baseline systolic blood pressure (≤126 mmHg) was linked to higher cardiovascular risk compared to higher SBP.

Full answer →
Can an AI model help doctors decide on my treatment plan for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?

AI models are not yet proven to help doctors decide on PCI treatment plans; current research focuses on imaging and risk scores, not AI decision support.

Full answer →
Does having metabolic syndrome increase my risk of restenosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?

Current evidence does not show a clear link between metabolic syndrome and higher restenosis risk after PCI, though related factors like insulin resistance may play a role.

Full answer →
Is proton pump inhibitor use increasing for Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Yes, PPI use is increasing among Chinese ACS patients, rising from 21.3% (2010-2012) to 63.5% (2016-2018) in one study, with over 60% prescribed PPIs in a 2017-2018 registry.

Full answer →
What drug-drug interactions should I watch for while hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome?

While hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, watch for interactions between blood thinners (aspirin, ticagrelor, heparin) and other drugs like ramipril, PPIs, and smoking cessation aids; your care team monitors these closely.

Full answer →
Do SGLT-2 inhibitors help reduce heart failure hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome?

Yes, SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk of first heart failure hospitalization in patients with acute coronary syndrome, according to a 2024 meta-analysis.

Full answer →
Does using imaging guidance during stenting lower heart attack risk for older patients with coronary artery disease?

Yes, imaging guidance (IVUS or OCT) during stenting lowers heart attack and MACE risk in older patients, according to a 2024 meta-analysis of 9 RCTs.

Full answer →
Can a CT scan accurately measure my coronary artery disease blockages compared to invasive tests?

CT scans (CCTA) can detect blockages but tend to underestimate their severity compared to invasive angiography, so they are not a perfect replacement.

Full answer →
See all 11 questions about Coronary Artery Disease →