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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a group of conditions associated with a sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. It includes: - Unstable Angina (UA) - Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) - ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
Causes and Risk Factors
ACS is caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery, leading to thrombus (blood clot) formation. Risk factors include: - Hypertension - Diabetes Mellitus - Smoking - High Cholesterol - Obesity - Family History of Heart Disease
Symptoms
Key symptoms include: - Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or burning) - Radiating pain (to the jaw, neck, arms, or back) - Shortness of breath - Sweating - Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect ST-segment changes
- Blood tests, including cardiac biomarkers (Troponins)
- Echocardiogram for heart function assessment
- Coronary angiography to visualize artery blockages
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of ACS but generally includes:
Immediate Management (MONA-B)
- Morphine (for pain relief)
- Oxygen (if needed)
- Nitrates (to relieve chest pain)
- Aspirin (to prevent clot growth)
- Beta-blockers (to reduce heart workload)
Long-Term Treatment
- Antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors)
- Statins (to lower cholesterol)
- Beta-blockers & ACE inhibitors (to improve heart function and prevent recurrence)
- Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
Revascularization
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with stent placement
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) for severe cases
Prevention
- Regular exercise
- Heart-healthy diet
- Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol abuse
Conclusion
Early recognition and treatment of ACS are crucial to improving survival and reducing complications. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, seek emergency care immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000134
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25260718/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001309
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks/acute-coronary-syndrome
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/08/29/14/01/2023-esc-guidelines-acs-esc-2023
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320110/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.