Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute Coronary Syndrome is an umbrella term used to cover any group of clinical symptoms, most often chest pain, that result from acute myocardial ischemia. The cause of acute myocardial ischemia is an insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle that results from coronary artery disease.

In acute coronary syndrome, an atherosclerotic plaque (blockage) within one of the arteries that brings blood to the heart ruptures. A blood clot then forms within the artery which may get to the point where the artery is completely blocked. This is when a heart attack occurs. Heart attacks may be of the variety where the artery opens spontaneously resulting in relief of the chest pain or angina. This remains a serious condition that needs prompt medical attention. The artery may continue to be blocked necessitating an immediate intervention. At the other end of the acute coronary syndrome spectrum, unstable angina occurs when there is a partial blockage from a ruptured plaque. This condition also requires prompt medical attention in order to prevent damage to the heart muscle.

Studies involving Acute Coronary Syndrome patients are aimed to improve medication options and care given to these patients.