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Acute Coronary Syndrome
(ACS)

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) includes multiple medical conditions, such as cardiac arrest and unstable angina, which occurs when the heart receives insufficient blood flow. Timely treatment of ACS can prevent more serious health effects and stop worrisome symptoms from occurring

Causes and Symptoms of ACS

Most forms of ACS result from the accumulation of fat inside the vessels responsible for supplying blood to the heart. These deposits of fat can contribute to the formation of clots, which can block blood flow from reaching the heart. ACS can usually be identified by the following symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath

A person experiencing a cardiac event may also develop uncomfortable sensations in the jaw, neck, one or both arms, back, and stomach.

Reference Articles

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors linked to ACS, such as family history and advancing age, are out of our control. However, some lifestyle factors can be effectively controlled to reduce your risk. These include:

  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Being overweight or obese
  • High blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Smoking

While you cannot always avoid cardiovascular issues, making healthy lifestyle changes is key to keeping your heart in great condition.

How Doctors Can Manage Acute Coronary Syndromes

With ACS, boosting the flow of blood to the heart can improve its function and prevent more severe health problems. In this case, doctors can recommend the following treatments:

  • Medication – Certain medicines can be used to reduce blood clots, increase the diameter of blood vessels, decrease heart rate, and manage blood pressure. These medications can lower the risk of a major cardiac event.

 

  • Surgery – Surgeons can also perform medical procedures to boost blood flow. The size of arteries can be increased by placing a stent, or a doctor may recommend bypass surgery to provide another pathway for blood to flow through.

Along with healthy lifestyle changes, these treatments can have a positive impact on the function of your heart.

 
 
 

Conditions & Medications

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