Coronary syndrome, more accurately termed acute coronary syndrome (ACS), is a serious condition involving a sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle. This insufficient blood supply can lead to heart muscle damage.
Understanding Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Here's a more detailed breakdown of ACS based on the provided reference:
What it is
- Acute coronary syndrome is a group of conditions.
- These conditions are characterized by the sudden disruption or significant decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle.
What can happen
- When the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood, it can be damaged.
Examples of ACS
- The reference mentions two specific examples that fall under the umbrella of ACS:
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction): This occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked, resulting in heart muscle death.
- Unstable angina: This is a form of chest pain that occurs at rest or with less exertion than usual and signals a high risk of heart attack.
Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Group of conditions with sudden reduction of blood to the heart |
| Cause | Blocked or severely narrowed coronary arteries |
| Result | Potential heart muscle damage |
| Examples | Heart attack, unstable angina |
Importance of Recognizing ACS
Because ACS is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention are crucial. The sudden interruption of blood supply to the heart muscle can lead to irreversible damage and long-term complications.
