PCCN Acute Coronary Syndrome

PCCN Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome is a term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart.

One such condition is a heart attack (myocardial infarction) — when cell death results in damaged or destroyed heart tissue. Even when acute coronary syndrome causes no cell death, the reduced blood flow changes how your heart works and is a sign of a high risk of heart attack.

Acute coronary syndrome often causes severe chest pain or discomfort. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and care. The goals of treatment include improving blood flow, treating complications and preventing future problems.

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pain (angina) or discomfort, often described as aching, pressure, tightness or burning
• Pain spreading from the chest to the shoulders, arms, upper abdomen, back, neck or jaw
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Sudden, heavy sweating (diaphoresis)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Unusual or unexplained fatigue
• Feeling restless or apprehensive

Causes

Acute coronary syndrome usually results from the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in and on the walls of coronary arteries, the blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to heart muscles.

When a plaque deposit ruptures or splits, a blood clot forms. This clot blocks the flow of blood to heart muscles.

When the supply of oxygen to cells is too low, cells of the heart muscles can die. The death of cells — resulting in damage to muscle tissues — is a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Even when there is no cell death, the decrease in oxygen still results in heart muscles that don’t work the way they should. This change may be temporary or permanent. When acute coronary syndrome doesn’t result in cell death, it is called unstable angina.

Risk Factors

• Aging
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet
• Obesity or overweight
• Diabetes
• Family history of chest pain, heart disease or stroke
• History of high blood pressure, preeclampsia or diabetes during pregnancy

Treatment

The immediate goals of treatment for acute coronary syndrome are:

• Relieve pain and distress
• Improve blood flow
• Restore heart function as quickly and as best as possible

Long-term treatment goals are to improve overall heart function, manage risk factors and lower the risk of a heart attack. A combination of drugs and surgical procedures may be used to meet these goals.