Acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome is a group of emergency heart conditions, comprising two kinds of heart attack and unstable angina, in which blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly reduced. It affects both sexes and becomes likelier with age, and women more often report unexplained tiredness. The usual cause is a blood clot on a ruptured cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery; smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and family history raise risk. Typical presentation is chest pain or pressure that may spread to the arm, neck or jaw, with breathlessness, nausea, sweating and light-headedness, and the condition can be life-threatening. Diagnosis uses an electrocardiogram, blood tests such as troponin, and imaging, with coronary angiography to locate the blockage. Hospital treatment combines antiplatelet and anticoagulant medicines, oxygen when needed, and procedures such as angioplasty with a stent or bypass surgery, followed by long-term medicines and cardiac rehabilitation.

Seek emergency care for chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg. See a doctor soon for palpitations, swollen ankles, breathlessness on exertion or a blood pressure reading that stays high. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.