Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a group of acute heart disorders caused by an instantaneous decrease or occlusion of blood supply to the myocardial tissue. ACS most commonly consists of STEMI, NSTEMI, and unstable angina, each of which poses distinct challenges in diagnosis and management.
Early identification and treatment are important in ACS to avoid permanent damage to the heart. Typical signs and symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, breathlessness, sweating, nausea, and pain radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw. Increased risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and a history of heart disease in the family predispose to ACS.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, and imaging tests. Recognition of the nature and severity of ACS early on determines the treatment plan. Treatment involves usually pharmacological intervention with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, statins, and nitrates, coupled with emergency revascularization techniques like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) where necessary.
Prevention methods are also important for long-term outcomes. Lifestyle change, cardiac rehab, and tight management of cardiovascular risk factors decrease recurrence and enhance survival.
Innovations in interventional cardiology, rapid response protocols, and evidence-based guidelines have greatly enhanced care for ACS, converting what was previously an emergent condition often deemed fatal into a treatable disease with improved survival and quality of life for patients.