Topic Overview
What is acute coronary syndrome?
Acute coronary
syndrome happens when the heart is not getting enough blood. It is an emergency. It includes
and
.
The
supply oxygen-rich blood to the
heart muscle. If these arteries are narrowed or blocked, the heart does not get
enough oxygen. This can cause angina or a heart attack.
- Unstable angina is
chest pain or discomfort from lack of blood flow, but there is no damage to the heart muscle.
It often happens when you are at rest. You may have had
before. You knew when to expect your symptoms, such as when you exercised. Stable angina usually goes away
when you rest or take your angina medicine. But the symptoms of unstable angina may
not go away with rest or medicine. It may get worse or happen at times that it
didn't before. Unstable angina is not a heart attack. But it is a warning that
a heart attack could happen soon, so it needs to be treated right
away.
- A heart attack means a coronary artery
has been blocked and the heart has been damaged. Without blood flow and oxygen,
part of the heart starts to die.
Any type of acute coronary syndrome is very serious and
needs to be treated right away.
What causes acute coronary syndrome?
Acute
coronary syndrome happens because
narrows or blocks the arteries that supply
blood to the heart. Plaque is made of
and other things. Over time, plaque can
build up in the arteries. This is known as
.
Plaque causes angina by narrowing the
arteries. A heart attack happens when a piece of plaque breaks open and a clot
forms, blocking an artery.
What are the symptoms?
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
How is acute coronary syndrome diagnosed?