A range of conditions that are associated with a sudden and reduced flow of blood to the heart is known as Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The coronary arteries supply nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscles. When there is a build-up of fatty deposits in the walls of these arteries, ACS may occur. This condition is caused due to blood clots in the coronary arteries and it requires immediate treatment and care.
Types of ACS
The term acute coronary syndrome is used to describe three types of conditions. These conditions are:
- Unstable angina
- Non-ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction or heart attack (non_STEMI)
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
When the supply of oxygen to the cells becomes very less, the cells can die. The death of these cells damages the tissues of the heart muscles and this leads to myocardial infarction or in common terms, heart attack. When the lack of oxygen does not result in cell death but does damage the cells, it is known as unstable angina.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of an acute coronary syndrome are:
- Chest pain
- Discomfort in the chest such as pressure, tightening or burning
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulders, arms, upper abdomen, jaw, neck or back
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
Causes
The buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in the walls of coronary arteries is the main cause of acute coronary syndrome. These arteries deliver the oxygen and nutrients to the muscles of the heart. But, when the plaque deposit splits or ruptures, a blood clot forms in the artery and this blood clot prevents the flow of the oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart muscles. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing ACS. These are:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels in the blood
- Diabetes
- Aging
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Family history of heart disease or stroke
Treatment
Acute coronary syndrome is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention. The short term goal of treatment is to improve the flow of blood to the heart, improve the functioning of the heart, and give relief from the symptoms such as pain and discomfort. The long term focus of the treatment is to maintain the functioning of the heart as best as possible and lowering the risk of heart attack. Treatment is based on a combination of medications and surgical procedures. Medications include thrombolytics, nitroglycerine, antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers, statins, angiotensin receptors blockers(ARBs), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
To improve the blood flow to the heart and restore its functioning, surgical procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and coronary bypass surgery may be recommended.
An acute coronary syndrome is a condition that can be prevented by certain lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing stress, keeping a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption to moderate levels.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
