Acute coronary syndrome, is a term used for reduced blood flow to the heart. Coronary arteries can become narrowed or blocked and cause chest pain and heart attack. The condition can be treated if diagnosed quickly and treatment will depend on certain factors such as age, symptoms and overall health.
Causes of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome normally develops over time as plaque builds up in the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat and calcium deposits and as the coronary arteries narrow, the heart is not able to pump blood as efficiently through the body. When a piece of the plaque breaks open a clot may form, causing complete blockage of blood flow to the heart resulting in a heart attack.
Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Symptoms of acute coronary syndrome include angina or pain that feels like a squeezing or burning pressure in the chest which lasts for several minutes or longer. This pain may occur after exercise, consuming a large meal or stress. Other symptoms may include jaw or arm pain, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting and lightheadedness. Women’s symptoms can vary from men’s and include abdominal pain, clamminess and unusual fatigue.
Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome
A doctor will run an ECG or electrocardiogram test to record electrical activity of the heart. An injured heart, or if a heart attack is in progress, will show abnormal electrical impulses on the ECG. Blood tests will reveal if a heart enzyme is present in the blood. A damaged heart will leak enzymes into the bloodstream after a heart attack. Additional tests may include a chest x-ray to check if the heart is enlarged and an echocardiogram which reveals images of the heart and can show if damage has occurred and if the heart is pumping normally.
Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome may need immediate medical attention if blockage has occurred. To provide adequate blood flow to the heart treatment will begin with blood thinners such as heparin to keep blood from clotting. Aspirin may be continued after release from the hospital. Medications that may be prescribed include beta blockers which relax heart muscles, allowing for better blood flow. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure, resulting in easier blood flow from the heart. When medications cannot restore blood flow to the heart, surgical procedures may be needed.
Surgery for Acute Coronary Syndrome
In angioplasty a thin tube is inserted into the blocked artery. A wire with a deflated balloon is passed through the tube to the blocked area of the artery and inflated, squeezing the fatty deposits against the artery wall. A stent is then put into the artery to keep it from collapsing.
Coronary bypass surgery involves using an artery from another part of the body, such as the leg, and using it to replace the blocked artery. Blood flows through the new artery in place of the blocked artery.
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