Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term used to describe a group of conditions that are associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. These conditions include:
Unstable angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion. It may be a new symptom, or a change from stable angina, which is chest pain that occurs with predictable patterns of activity.
Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI): A type of heart attack where there is evidence of heart muscle damage, but the characteristic changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG) called ST-segment elevation are not present.
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): A type of heart attack where there is complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to significant damage to the heart muscle. This is characterized by changes on an ECG showing elevation of the ST segment.
ACS occurs when there is a sudden rupture or erosion of a plaque within a coronary artery, leading to the formation of a blood clot that partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. This can result in symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness.
ACS is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to minimize damage to the heart muscle and prevent complications such as heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, or death. Treatment for ACS may include medications to relieve symptoms, thin the blood and prevent further clot formation, and procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart.