The term acute coronary syndromes refers to heart-related conditions that have a similar set of symptoms. This syndrome is most commonly manifested in two conditions: unstable angina and heart attacks. For both of these conditions, the present symptoms can include chest pain, nausea, sweating, vomiting, dizziness, or pain in the neck, back, stomach, jaw, or arms. For a number of patients the chest pain can be felt in widely different ways, from a slight tingling to palpitations to sever constriction or throbbing pain. If a patient experiences any of these symptoms, emergency medical services must be contacted immediately.
The first condition, unstable angina or intermediate coronary syndrome, is a chest pain that originates from an inability of blood to flow unimpeded. Many patients experience stable angina, which is the same type of pain, but it occurs only in certain situations such as after physical exertion. However, unstable angina may strike at any time, even while a patient is at rest. This unpredictability and lack of fixed duration can be both dangerous and frightening to a patient. Although it is painful, the heart is not damaged in this condition. Additionally, unstable angina is a precursor that the patient is at risk for having a heart attack.
The second condition, a heart attack, happens when the impeded blood flow causes damage to the heart. The inability of the body to get fresh oxygen and blood to the heart can cause the heart to stop functioning. For this reason heart attacks are an acute heart condition and can be potentially fatal. Treatment of a heart attack can sometimes be completely resolved with medication use such as aspirin or thrombolytic drugs. In other cases, angioplasty may be required to allow normal blood flow to resume. Angioplasty is the use of a catheter to inflate a balloon in the blocked passageway. In the most extreme situations, heart surgery must be done to prevent a fatality.
Both of these conditions can be diagnosed with the use of an electrocardiogram. In addition, this apparatus can inform a patient which condition was experienced. Another test that can be done is a cardiac perfusion scan. This test evaluates the amount of blood being returned to the heart.
Acute coronary syndrome guidelines state that any patients who is in a high risk group for heart complications can be proactive by making behavior modifications that will prevent or lower the likelihood of having unstable angina or heart attacks and aid in the management of acute coronary syndrome. One modification is by changing the diet. A healthy diet for high risk patients will include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Also, at least a minimum of exercise should be done every week. In the patient smokes cigarettes, the best thing that can be done to improve the health is to quit smoking. In addition, close monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure levels can inform a patient when these levels are outside of acceptable levels. These steps, along with regular visits to a local physician, will aid a patient in coping with acute coronary syndromes.