Acute Coronary Syndrome

Blockage causing blood flow to the heart to slow or stop

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term that describes medical conditions that cause the blood flow to the heart is suddenly slow down or stop. Atherosclerosis, the slow accumulation of fat and cholesterol in the arteries (plaque), is the most common cause of blockages. Plaque hardens and causes the arteries to narrow. ACS can happen with the plaque breaks open and further narrows or completely blocks the artery(s). The three types of ACS are:

Unstable angina: Sudden onset of chest pain or pressure even while resting.
ST-Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): Severe heart attack caused by blocked artery(s) to the heart. Time is of the essence for successful treatment of a STEMI.
Non-ST-Elevation myocardial infarction (Non-STEMI): Heart attack where the coronary artery(s) are not fully blocked or were blocked for a limited period of time.

ACS is a medical emergency so call 911 if you experience the symptoms listed below.

Symptoms

ACS symptoms include:

Unstable angina (Chest pain)
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Pain that spreads to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and abdomen
Heartburn
Aching, burning, and heaviness in the chest
Sweating
Dizziness
Fatigue

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Fractional Flow Reserve

Fractional flow reserve, also known as FFR, is a measurement of how well blood can flow through the coronary arteries. Narrowing or blockages in these arteries can lead to a heart attack without treatment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Stress Tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms, and chemically induced stress tests.

Treatments

Angioplasty

Angioplasty improves blood flow through the arteries by clearing plaque buildup.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, restores normal blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries by using a healthy blood vessel taken from your leg, arm, or chest to create a detour around the problem area.

Stenting

Stenting often follows an angioplasty in which a doctor temporarily inserts and inflates a tiny balloon in a blood vessel to widen or unblock it. Your doctor may then recommend placing a stent, which can further improve and maintain blood flow.