Abstract :
Introduction: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term that encompasses three serious heart conditions caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the heart. These conditions, which affect millions each year, pose a serious risk and require urgent medical care. ACS typically presents as unstable angina or a heart attack (myocardial infarction), and may cause symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Immediate medical attention is crucial to alleviate symptoms and avoid serious complications. Types of ACS include:1. Unstable Angina: Characterized by unexpected chest pain that can occur even at rest, often signaling an impending heart attack and usually resulting from worsening stable angina.2. Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): A mild heart attack identified through blood tests rather than an EKG, caused by partial or temporary artery blockage.3. ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A severe heart attack where a coronary artery is completely blocked for an extended time. It shows up on both blood tests and an EKG and can damage a large portion of the heart. Common symptoms of ACS include dizziness, fainting, sudden excessive sweating, fatigue, heart palpitations, and upper abdominal discomfort (which may feel like indigestion).Medical management involves: Anticoagulants like aspirin or heparin to prevent or dissolve blood clots. ACE inhibitors to manage blood pressure. Beta-blockers to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Nitroglycerin to ease chest pain and enhance blood flow. Pain relievers to manage discomfort. Statins to reduce cholesterol. Thrombolytics to dissolve clots, particularly when administered within 12 hours of a heart attack. Surgical interventions may be required to restore normal blood flow: Angioplasty with stent placement to open blocked arteries. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) as a minimally invasive method to reopen arteries.Conclusion: The prognosis of ACS varies based on the type and severity of the condition. Early diagnosis, effective treatment, and adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve long-term outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Keyword :
Acute coronary syndrome, Coronary artery bypass grafting, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Angioplasty.