Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome is a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart, encompassing unstable angina and heart attack. It is a medical emergency.
Key takeaways
- Chest pressure, sweating, nausea, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back may be warning signs.
- Symptoms can be mild or atypical, especially in older adults and people with diabetes; an ECG and blood tests are needed.
- Treatment begins in emergency care and may include medicines, coronary angiography and a procedure to restore blood flow.
The listings below are not a self-treatment option; suspected acute coronary syndrome requires emergency assessment.
Why rapid testing matters
The longer heart muscle is deprived of blood, the greater the potential damage. Serial ECGs and cardiac troponin tests help distinguish unstable angina from different types of heart attack and other causes of chest pain.
How treatment is selected
Antiplatelet, anticoagulant, cholesterol-lowering and symptom-relieving medicines have different roles. The plan depends on the ECG, troponin result, bleeding risk, kidney function and whether an urgent coronary procedure is needed. These treatments require monitored care.
When to seek urgent care
Call emergency services now for new or severe chest pressure, chest symptoms with sweating or breathlessness, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Do not drive yourself.
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