What is the immediate treatment for ACS?
Morphine (or fentanyl) for pain control, oxygen, sublingual or intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin, soluble aspirin 162-325 mg, and clopidogrel with a 300- to 600-mg loading dose are given as initial treatment.
What are examples of acute coronary syndromes?
Heart Attack: An Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Unstable angina.
- Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction or heart attack (NSTEMI)
- ST segment elevation myocardial infarction or heart attack (STEMI).
How would you assess a patient with acute coronary syndrome?
The assessment of a possible MI includes evaluation of risk factors and presenting signs and symptoms, rapid electrocardiography, and serum cardiac troponin measurements. A validated risk score, such as the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score, may also be useful.
Why is aspirin given for ACS?
Aspirin in Acute Coronary Syndrome 1: Aspirin acts to inhibit the activity of the cyclooxygenase enzyme and thus attenuates the production of prostaglandins and thromboxane. 2: The ADP receptor antagonists bind to the P2Y12 receptor to prevent ADP-induced platelet activation.
Is ACS serious?
Acute coronary syndrome often causes severe chest pain or discomfort. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and care. The goals of treatment include improving blood flow, treating complications and preventing future problems.
What is the most common cause of ACS?
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is caused primarily by atherosclerosis. Most cases of ACS occur from disruption of a previously nonsevere lesion (an atherosclerotic lesion that was previously hemodynamically insignificant yet vulnerable to rupture).
What is the difference between MI and ACS?
Acute coronary syndromes result from a sudden blockage in a coronary artery. This blockage causes unstable angina or heart attack (myocardial infarction), depending on the location and amount of blockage. A heart attack is death of heart tissue due to lack of blood supply.
What can cause acute coronary syndrome?
Acute coronary syndrome risk factors include:
- Aging.
- High blood pressure.
- High blood cholesterol.
- Cigarette smoking.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Unhealthy diet.
- Obesity or overweight.
- Diabetes.
How is an MI diagnosed?
Acute myocardial infarction is myocardial necrosis resulting from acute obstruction of a coronary artery. Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without dyspnea, nausea, and diaphoresis. Diagnosis is by ECG and the presence or absence of serologic markers.
What is the leading cause of MI?
Most myocardial infarctions are due to underlying coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. With coronary artery occlusion, the myocardium is deprived of oxygen.