Diseases
acute coronary syndrome
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Acute coronary syndrome is a term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. One such condition is a heart attack (myocardial infarction) — when cell death results in damaged or destroyed heart tissue.
Symptoms
- chest pain or discomfort, often described as aching, pressure, tightness
- pain spreading from the chest to the shoulders, arms, upper abdomen, back, neck
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- sudden, heavy sweating (diaphoresis)
Causes
- acute coronary syndrome usually results from the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in and on the walls of coronary arteries, the blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to heart muscles.
Risk factors
- high blood pressure
- aging
- high blood cholesterol, and cigarette smoking
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- coronary angiogram.
- electrocardiogram (ecg).
- computerized tomography (ct) angiogram.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is acute coronary syndrome?
Acute coronary syndrome is a term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. One such condition is a heart attack (myocardial infarction) — when cell death results in damaged or destroyed heart tissue.
What are the symptoms of acute coronary syndrome?
chest pain or discomfort, often described as aching, pressure, tightness, pain spreading from the chest to the shoulders, arms, upper abdomen, back, neck, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath (dyspnea), sudden, heavy sweating (diaphoresis)
What causes acute coronary syndrome?
acute coronary syndrome usually results from the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in and on the walls of coronary arteries, the blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to heart muscles.
Which medicines are used for acute coronary syndrome?
clopidogrel, enoxaparin, eptifibatide, ticagrelor, tirofiban
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