Acute coronary syndrome

Acute Coronary

Overview Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome encompasses various conditions related to sudden, diminished blood flow to the heart, including heart attack and unstable angina. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when cell death damages heart tissue. On the other hand, unstable angina arises when heart blood flow decreases without causing cell death or a heart attack, yet still posing an increased risk of such events.

Acute coronary syndrome typically induces severe chest pain or discomfort, warranting immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment objectives include enhancing blood flow, managing complications, and averting future issues.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute coronary syndrome usually manifest abruptly, encompassing:

• Chest pain or discomfort, often described as aching, pressure, tightness, or burning, commonly termed angina.
• Pain originating in the chest and radiating to areas like the shoulders, arms, upper abdomen, back, neck, or jaw.
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Sudden, profuse sweating.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Sensations of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Unusual fatigue.

Though chest pain or discomfort is prevalent, symptoms may vary, particularly concerning age, gender, and other medical conditions. Women, older individuals, or those with diabetes might experience symptoms without chest pain or discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Acute coronary syndrome constitutes a medical emergency due to the potential severity of chest pain or discomfort, which can signal life-threatening conditions. Immediate medical assistance is imperative, and individuals should refrain from driving themselves to the hospital.

Causes

Acute coronary syndrome typically arises from the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaque) on blood vessel walls, specifically the coronary arteries supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscles. When a fatty deposit ruptures, it forms a blood clot that obstructs blood flow to the heart muscles, potentially leading to cell death (heart attack) or impaired muscle function (unstable angina).

Risk Factors

Risk factors for acute coronary syndrome mirror those of other heart diseases, including:

• Advancing age.
• High blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
• Tobacco smoking.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Poor dietary habits.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Personal or family history of chest pain, heart attacks, or stroke.
• History of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or diabetes during pregnancy, as well as early menopause.
• COVID-19 infection.