Acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome is a group of conditions caused by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery disease: A disease in which atherosclerotic plaque narrows or blocks the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Underlying coronary atherosclerosis is the usual substrate for acute coronary events.
Unstable angina: Acute myocardial ischemia at rest or with minimal exertion without detectable myocardial necrosis. It is an acute coronary syndrome diagnosis without elevated cardiac troponin indicating infarction.
Percutaneous coronary intervention: A catheter-based procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, often using a stent. It is the preferred reperfusion strategy for many patients with acute coronary occlusion.
Heart failure: A clinical syndrome in which the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body’s needs. Extensive infarction can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
Stable angina: Predictable chest discomfort caused by transient myocardial ischemia, typically during exertion and relieved by rest. Unlike acute coronary syndrome, stable angina follows a reproducible pattern without acute plaque-related instability.
Atherosclerosis: A chronic disease in which lipid-rich plaques form within artery walls. Atherosclerotic plaques can rupture or erode, triggering an acute coronary event.
Myocardial infarction: Death of heart muscle caused by prolonged ischemia, diagnosed using cardiac biomarkers and clinical evidence. Infarction is the necrotic form of acute coronary syndrome.
Fibrinolysis: Breakdown of fibrin in blood clots, naturally or through clot-dissolving medication. Fibrinolytic drugs can restore coronary flow when timely catheter intervention is unavailable in selected infarctions.
Cardiogenic shock: A state of inadequate tissue perfusion caused by the heart’s failure to pump enough blood. Severe myocardial damage can cause shock through acute pump failure.
Aortic dissection: A life-threatening tear within the layers of the aortic wall. It can mimic acute coronary symptoms but requires a different emergency treatment strategy.

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