Acs

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Acute Coronary Syndrome
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating
Complications Myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia
Onset Sudden
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease
Risks Smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia
Diagnosis Electrocardiogram, blood tests, coronary angiography
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Medication, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


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 conditions such as unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Pathophysiology

Acute Coronary Syndrome is primarily caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery. This rupture leads to the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) that can partially or completely block the flow of blood to the heart muscle. The resulting ischemia (lack of oxygen) can cause damage to the heart muscle, leading to the symptoms and complications associated with ACS.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of ACS, including:

Symptoms

The symptoms of ACS can vary, but commonly include:

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ACS is based on a combination of clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and blood tests.

Electrocardiogram

An ECG is used to detect changes in the heart's electrical activity that may indicate ischemia or infarction. Specific patterns, such as ST-segment elevation or depression, can help differentiate between STEMI and NSTEMI.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to measure cardiac biomarkers, such as troponin, which are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged.

Coronary Angiography

In some cases, a coronary angiography may be performed to visualize the coronary arteries and assess the extent of blockage.

Treatment

The treatment of ACS aims to restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further complications. Treatment options include:

Medications

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involves the use of a balloon catheter to open up blocked coronary arteries, often followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

In some cases, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be necessary to bypass blocked arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with ACS varies depending on the severity of the condition, the timeliness of treatment, and the presence of underlying health issues. Early intervention and adherence to treatment can improve outcomes significantly.

Prevention

Preventive measures for ACS include lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.

See Also



Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD