Acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome is a relatively new term being used in accident and emergency departments and cardiac units. The term refers to the group of conditions including unstable angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack) with or without obvious or significant changes detected by an electrocardiograph (ECG). The most common acute coronary syndrome is when an atherosclerosis (a build-up of fats and cholesterol in the arteries) breaks loose and causes a thrombus (blood clot). It is this thrombus that reduces blood flow and so the oxygen supply to the heart. Quick and accurate diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes is essential for the effective treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition.

The most significant symptom of acute coronary syndrome is chest pain. This chest pain usually comes on gradually and may take several minutes to reach its peak. In a heart attack, this pain is typically steady, constant and lasts for up to 30 minutes or more.