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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) refers to a group of conditions that are associated with sudden, restricted blood flow to the heart. It includes unstable angina (UA), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Causes of ACS
The primary cause of ACS is atherosclerosis—the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside coronary arteries. When a plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot, reducing or completely blocking blood supply to the heart.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, tightness, heaviness)
- Radiation of pain to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Dizziness or fainting
Diagnosis
Doctors use several diagnostic tests: - Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies ST-segment changes (STEMI vs. NSTEMI/UA) - Blood tests (Troponin levels): Detects cardiac muscle damage - Coronary angiography: Evaluates artery blockages
Treatment Strategies
Immediate Measures
- Oxygen therapy, if necessary
- Pain relief (morphine in severe cases)
- Aspirin (prevents further clot formation)
Nitroglycerin (relieves chest pain)
Reperfusion Therapy
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) (angioplasty with or without stent placement)
Fibrinolytic Therapy (clot-dissolving medications in STEMI if PCI is not available)
Long-term Management
Antiplatelet drugs (Aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors like Clopidogrel)
- Beta-blockers (reduce heart workload)
- ACE inhibitors (improve heart function)
- Statins (lower cholesterol and stabilize plaques)
- Lifestyle changes (diet, smoking cessation, exercise)
Prevention of ACS
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Control high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Engage in regular exercise
- Quit smoking
- Manage diabetes effectively
Conclusion
ACS is a life-threatening condition, but timely diagnosis and proper treatment significantly improve survival and reduce complications. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40014670/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on 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://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860058/
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on Acute Coronary Syndrome
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng185
- https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summaries/acute-coronary-syndromes/
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng185/resources/acute-coronary-syndromes-pdf-66142023361477
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33301270/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11822/
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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!
Our advantages:
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.