top of page
Search

What Is Acute Coronary Syndrome? Symptoms & Treatment

  • Writer: Cindy Hazelwood
    Cindy Hazelwood
  • Feb 6
  • 3 min read

Have you ever heard of someone experiencing chest pain and being rushed to the hospital? Often, this is caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS, a medical emergency that signals a serious heart problem. The term ACS might sound complex, but understanding its symptoms and treatment could make all the difference in saving lives.


At Duke Family Wellness, we emphasize awareness of critical conditions like ACS to help you stay informed and proactive about your heart health. Let's explore what ACS is, its causes, warning signs, and how it’s managed.


What Exactly Is Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Acute coronary syndrome refers to a range of conditions caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart. It’s commonly linked to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, leading to partial or complete blockage. This disruption deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing chest pain (angina) or, in severe cases, a heart attack.


Key Types of Acute Coronary Syndrome:

  1. Unstable Angina: Reduced blood flow causes chest pain but no permanent damage to the heart muscle.

  2. Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): A heart attack with partial artery blockage, detected through specific lab tests and imaging.

  3. ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A severe heart attack with a complete artery blockage, identified by distinct patterns on an ECG.


Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Recognizing the symptoms of ACS is crucial for early treatment:

Common Warning Signs:

  • Chest Pain or Discomfort: A pressing, squeezing, or burning sensation often radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.

  • Shortness of Breath: A feeling of breathlessness, even at rest.

  • Fatigue: Sudden, extreme tiredness without physical exertion.

  • Nausea or Vomiting: Digestive distress can accompany other symptoms.

  • Sweating: Cold, clammy perspiration, even in a cool environment.

  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A sense of instability or fainting.

Note:

Women and older adults may experience less typical symptoms, such as back pain, jaw pain, or indigestion-like discomfort.


Causes and Risk Factors

ACS doesn’t occur in isolation; it’s often the result of underlying health issues and lifestyle factors.


Common Causes:

  • Atherosclerosis: Buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.

  • Blood Clots: Formed when plaque in a coronary artery ruptures.


Risk Factors:

  • Lifestyle: Smoking, sedentary habits, poor diet.

  • Health Conditions: High cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes.

  • Age and Gender: Men over 45 and postmenopausal women are at higher risk.

  • Family History: Genetic predisposition to heart diseases.


Diagnosing Acute Coronary Syndrome

When ACS is suspected, prompt diagnosis is critical to prevent lasting damage.

Common Diagnostic Tools:

  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects irregular heart rhythms or damage patterns.

  2. Blood Tests: Measures cardiac enzymes like troponin that indicate heart muscle injury.

  3. Imaging Tests: Coronary angiography or CT scans provide detailed views of blocked arteries.


Treatment Options for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Immediate Care

If ACS is suspected, emergency medical attention is vital. Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital without delay.


Medical Treatments:

  • Medications: Aspirin, nitroglycerin, blood thinners, and beta-blockers are commonly used to reduce blood clots, improve blood flow, and relieve symptoms.

  • Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries using a balloon and place a stent to keep them open.

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): A surgical approach where blood flow is rerouted using grafted veins or arteries.


Preventing Acute Coronary Syndrome

Prevention is always better than treatment. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of ACS.


Tips for Prevention:

  • Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid trans fats, excessive salt, and added sugars.

  • Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

  • Quit Smoking: Eliminate tobacco use to improve cardiovascular health.

  • Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

  • Regular Health Checkups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.


How Duke Family Wellness Can Help

At Duke Family Wellness, we specialize in helping you take control of your heart health. From personalized dietary plans to stress management techniques, our team provides holistic support to improve your well-being. Explore our services here, or schedule a consultation to begin your journey toward better heart health.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is acute coronary syndrome the same as a heart attack?

Not always. While ACS includes heart attacks, it also encompasses unstable angina and other conditions that might not involve permanent heart damage.


2. Can ACS be reversed?

Early treatment can minimize damage and improve outcomes, but lifestyle changes are necessary for long-term heart health.


3. Are there warning signs before ACS develops?

Yes, signs like recurring chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath during physical activity may indicate underlying issues.


4. What is the recovery time after ACS?

Recovery varies but often takes weeks to months, depending on the severity and the treatments used.

 
 
 

Comentários

bottom of page