Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of conditions caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Some symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, tightness, or burning
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck, back or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Fatigue
Your doctor will treat your acute coronary syndrome to improve your heart function and lower your risk of a heart attack. He may prescribe medications that improve blood flow and reduce clotting risk. Your doctor may also perform a coronary angioplasty – in this procedure, a stent is inserted to your coronary arteries, the arteries that provide blood to the heart muscle. The stent will widen the arteries and keep them open, improving blood flow to your heart.