Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) 

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a general term used to describe any type of symptoms compatible with acute myocardial infarction or heart attack. In most cases it occurs when plaque builds up and ruptures in the arteries that nourish the heart muscle (coronary arteries). After the plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms that blocks or partially blocks blood flow to that part of the heart. When there is a lack of part of oxygen rich blood to part of the heart, a heart attack occurs some of the heart muscle is permanently damaged. A sudden intense exercise, sudden strong emotion, or drugs use can trigger a heart attack. In most cases, however, there is no obvious reason why the plaque ruptured and caused the heart attack. 

Plaque rupture is not always the reason for a heart attack. In rare cases, a spasm can occur in a coronary artery that can reduce or cut off blood flow to part of the heart muscle and cause chest pain or a heart attack. It usually occurs at the site of a plaque. Cocaine can cause coronary arteries to spasm, causing a heart attack, although the cause of most spasms is unknown. 

Types of Acute Coronary Syndrome 

1. Unstable angina - a dangerous condition that means that a coronary artery is partially blocked with plaque and a blood clot. A heart attack could occur within minutes to hours if not treated. There is also a high risk for sudden death. Unlike stable angina, unstable angina does not follow a pattern. It can occur without physical exertion and is not usually relieved by rest or medicine. It requires immediate treatment to prevent a heart attack! 

2. Myocardial Infarction - more commonly referred to as 'heart attack,' occurs when an artery on the heart becomes completely blocked and results in permanent damage to the heart muscle. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment! 

3. Sudden Death - occurs when the heart stops abruptly (cardiac arrest). The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. Death can occur within minutes after symptoms appear, or there may be no symptoms at all before collapse. The most common underlying reason that patients die suddenly from cardiac arrest is coronary heart disease. 

Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome 

The most common symptom is severe angina or chest pain. It is described as discomfort, pressure, squeezing, or heaviness. Most people also have one of the following symptoms: · Pain or discomfort in the back, jaw, throat, and/or arm · Discomfort in the upper abdomen, often thought to be "heartburn" · Sweating, nausea, vomiting · Shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and/or fainting · Weakness, numbness, anxiety, and/or feeling of doom Almost half of the patients who come to the emergency room do not experience chest pain when they are having unstable angina or a heart attack. This is especially true for women, older adults, and people with diabetes. It is also possible to have a "silent heart attack" without any symptoms, although this is rare.