Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the umbrella term for the clinical signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia: unstable angina, non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. This article further defines ACS and the conditions it includes; reviews its risk factors; describes its pathophysiology and associated signs and symptoms; discusses variations in its diagnostic findings, such as cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiographic changes; and outlines treatment approaches, including drug and reperfusion therapies.

In Brief

This condition results from a sudden reduction in the flow of blood (and oxygen) to the heart. It's important to understand what causes it and to recognize its signs and symptoms.