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Acute Coronary Syndrome (General Assessment)

An emergency cardiology syndrome caused by sudden coronary artery occlusion or severe narrowing.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome (General Assessment)?

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an emergency caused by thrombus formation and myocardial ischemia following rupture or erosion of a coronary atherosclerotic plaque. It includes unstable angina, NSTEMI and STEMI.

Unstable angina has no troponin rise but may show ECG changes; NSTEMI has troponin elevation without ST elevation; STEMI has both troponin elevation and ST elevation and requires immediate revascularization.

Triage and risk assessment use the GRACE and TIMI scores. High-risk patients are referred for early invasive strategy (coronary angiography), while low-risk patients can be followed with non-invasive evaluation.

Modern ACS treatment combines antiplatelet, anticoagulation and revascularization strategies. Shortening the door-to-balloon time is the single most important factor for survival in STEMI.

Symptoms

Chest pain or pressure (>20 minutes)
Pain radiating to arm, jaw, back or epigastrium
Cold diaphoresis and nausea
Dyspnea and weakness
Dizziness or presyncope
Atypical symptoms in women (fatigue, abdominal pain)

Risk Factors

Smoking and family history
Hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Advanced age and male sex
Cocaine and amphetamine use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Chest pain lasting more than 20 minutes — call emergency services
  • Chest pressure with sweating, nausea and dyspnea
  • Unusual chest pain in a known cardiac patient

Treatment Methods

01
Immediate primary PCI in STEMI (within 120 minutes)
02
Early invasive approach in NSTEMI based on risk stratification
03
Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + P2Y12 inhibitor)
04
Anticoagulant therapy (heparin or fondaparinux)
05
High-dose statin, beta-blocker and ACE inhibitor
06
Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention program

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.