Yashoda Hospitals > Health Faqs > Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute Coronary Syndrome

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Acute coronary syndrome or ACS is a medical term used to describe a group of conditions that result in the reduced or the sudden stoppage of blood flow to the heart muscle. Depending on the severity, this could result in heart muscle damage which could turn fatal. Doctors consider chest pain (angina) or pressure in the chest typically seen in a heart attack as acute coronary syndromes until proven otherwise. 

An acute coronary syndrome is a life-threatening medical emergency; a patient showing symptoms requires immediate attention from a specialist. Symptoms range from chest pain, pain radiating to the neck, arm, or jaw, indigestion, vomiting, or unexplained restlessness.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Acute Coronary Syndrome

    The most common cause of acute coronary syndrome is coronary artery disease or CAD wherein an artery carrying oxygen-rich blood develops plaque over time. This plaque buildup results in narrower or stiffer arteries and lower blood supply to the heart. Sometimes, a plaque deposit ruptures, thus forming a blood clot and heightening the state of a medical emergency.

    The complications arising from acute coronary syndrome depend on the size, location, and duration of the blockage. In some cases, it could result in other health conditions such as erratic heart rhythms (arrhythmia), heart attacks, heart failures, ruptures of the heart muscle, strokes, or even death. It is essential to seek immediate medical intervention in such cases.

    If a patient shows any signs of acute coronary syndrome, an emergency doctor recommends several tests based on the patient's physical state and medical history. Among them is a blood test that indicates chemical markers in the form of enzymes in the blood that indicate heart tissue damage.

    The immediate goal of any doctor who sees a patient with acute coronary syndrome is to restore or improve blood flow while relieving the pain and stress of a patient. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition, a doctor may recommend a combination of medications, interventional procedures, or surgery to treat a patient.

    Acute coronary syndrome is not a preventable condition, but there are some steps one can undertake to reduce the severity since it is the result of blockage over time. Depending on the age and family history, one must avoid smoking or drinking, lead a healthy lifestyle while being active, adapt to a heart-healthy diet, lose weight if obese, and get regular health checkups.

    The treatment plan for acute coronary syndrome depends on several factors ranging from age, medical condition, family history, and the current location, size, and duration of the blockage. While some patients may get better with medication, others may require an interventional procedure such as an angioplasty or a surgery such as coronary bypass surgery.

    Unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI (forms of heart attack) are three acute coronary syndromes. Unstable angina is when the plaque ruptures, therefore forming a blood clot and suddenly narrowing the artery. It results in chest pain and eventually a heart attack. An NSTEMI is a heart attack due to partial blockage, while a STEMI is a heart attack caused due to prolonged blockage.

    Generally, coronary artery disease (CAD) is asymptomatic. It is typically seen in patients with an existing condition known as atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries). On the other hand, acute coronary syndrome is a result of CAD. Patients show symptoms immediately such as pain in the chest or a heart attack. Both conditions need medical intervention.

    A heart attack is a form of acute coronary syndrome caused due to acute blood clots in an atherosclerotic coronary artery. This rupture can occur at any time and without any warning while reducing blood flow to the heart. A high-risk heart attack can turn fatal in the absence of immediate medical attention.

    Typically, nausea and vomiting occur during a heart attack (a form of acute coronary syndrome). Studies have shown that vomiting is associated with inferior wall infarction, however, there is limited medical data to attest to this finding. It is important to note that not all patients who have acute coronary syndrome get nauseous.

    An essential goal for a doctor who sees a patient with acute coronary syndrome is to restore blood flow and relieve the pain of the patient. Depending on the location, size, and duration of the blockage, he may recommend a combination of medicines and surgical procedures as immediate treatment. Some long-term plans may include lifestyle modifications while managing risk factors.

    For a free second opinion or any other questions that you may have, get in touch with our experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

    References

    1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16713-cad-acute-coronary-syndrome
    2. https://www.medscape.com/answers/1910735-178325/what-are-possible-complications-of-acute-coronary-syndrome-acs
    3. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0701/p119.html
    4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/acute-coronary-syndrome-acs-1745899
    5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3604939/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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