Acute coronary syndrome

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. It encompasses three types of coronary artery disease: Unstable Angina, Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), and ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).

Causes[edit | edit source]

ACS is usually caused by a blockage in a coronary artery. This blockage, which is often a blood clot, prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle. The blockage can be partial or complete, and the severity of the ACS depends on whether the blockage is partial or complete, and how long the blood supply is cut off.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The most common symptom of ACS is chest pain, which is often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest. Other symptoms can include pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating, and fatigue.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

ACS is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and the results of several tests. These tests can include an Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart, and blood tests to check for proteins that are released when the heart muscle is damaged.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for ACS aims to restore blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible. This can be achieved through medications, such as Aspirin, Nitroglycerin, and Thrombolytics, or through procedures, such as Angioplasty and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG).

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for ACS depends on the extent of the heart muscle damage and the patient's overall health. With prompt treatment, most people can recover from an ACS event and return to their normal activities.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of ACS involves managing risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, and through medications, if necessary.

Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

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Brown atrophy of the heart

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Keshan disease

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Loeffler endocarditis

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Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis

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Traumatic cardiac arrest

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Waon therapy

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Acute coronary syndrome Resources
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