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Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) describes the symptoms which occur when the heart does not get enough oxygen as a result of reduced blood flow. If you experience ACS, get to an emergency room right away as you could possibly have a heart attack.

  1. Symptoms

    • The primary symptom of ACS is chest pain, which can sometimes mimic heartburn. Pain may also occur in the neck, jaw, arm or abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath or lightheadedness.

    Causes

    • ACS occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen. This is called ischemia, and is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to an arterial blockage. Most often, ischemia is a result of an accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. These deposits, or plaques, narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. The arteries may also rupture, causing clotting and complete blockage of the artery.

    Diagnosis

    • ACS indicates one of a range of ischemic disorders, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Because the symptoms of ACS can indicate a heart attack, immediate treatment is necessary.

    Treatment

    • When ACS symptoms are present, an EKG is done and examined for signs of heart attack. Blood is tested to check for indications of damage to the heart.Treatment for an ACS diagnosis will vary based on the EKG and blood test results. Unstable angina may be treated with medication, while any significant blockage may require angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.

    Prevention

    • Age and family history are sometimes the cause of ACS; however, there are other factors that you can control to prevent ACS such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise and type 2 diabetes. To minimize your risk, stop smoking, exercise regularly, and work with your doctor to monitor and control cholesterol and blood pressure.

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