Acute coronary syndrome
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome (pronunciation: a-kyoot kor-uh-ner-ee sin-drohm) is a term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart.
Etymology
The term "acute" is derived from the Latin word "acutus", meaning sharp or severe. "Coronary" refers to the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood, and "syndrome" is a Greek word that means "run together", used in medicine to describe a collection of symptoms and signs that are associated with a particular disease or condition.
Related Terms
- Myocardial Infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack, it is a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
- Angina Pectoris: This is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.
- Unstable Angina: This is a condition in which angina symptoms occur while at rest or with minimal exertion, often unpredictably.
- Coronary Artery Disease: This is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries.
Symptoms
Acute coronary syndrome symptoms may include:
- Chest pain (angina) that feels like burning, pressure or tightness
- Pain elsewhere in the body, such as the left upper arm or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Unusual or unexplained fatigue
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome usually involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests. Other tests may include an echocardiogram, coronary angiography, or a stress test.
Treatment
Treatment for acute coronary syndrome includes medications, lifestyle changes, and possibly procedures to restore blood flow to the heart. These may include angioplasty and stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery.
Prevention
Prevention of acute coronary syndrome primarily involves managing risk factors and leading a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acute coronary syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Acute coronary syndrome
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