Through computed tomography (CT) images of the heart and other types of imaging, build-up of dangerous coronary plaques — which restrict the flow of blood to the heart — can be detected, even before a person develops symptoms of heart disease. Because of this, there is increasing interest in using these imaging techniques to screen for heart disease. According to a review published recently in JACC:  Cardiovascular Imaging, a simple CT imaging technique called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan — often referred to as a calcium scan—may be particularly useful when screening for coronary artery disease.

Despite global political uncertainties and a sluggish economic outlook for 2017, the global healthcare industry is set for an invigorating year, according to a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan. This outlook is due to a partial realization of major healthcare policies and initiatives, technology advancements and value-based care driving the adoption and need for consumer-centric targeted therapies. Future drugs and medical devices will be more targeted to meet the unique needs of emerging markets (e.g. China, India, Brazil) which demonstrate high growth opportunities compared developed markets (e.g., the United States and Western Europe. Growing at a CAGR of 4.8 percent, the industry is likely to reach revenue of $1,731.8 billion.

March 7, 2017 — Medtronic plc recently announced an economic analysis of five-year data showing that patients with mild heart failure who get cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices early in their treatment live longer. The analysis also showed that implanting these devices is cost-effective, compared to optimal medical therapy.