Rachel Gonzalez 8-1023-1011, Rebeca Cambra 8-1029-1052, Astrid Perez 4-830-330, Nadiuska Suira 4-828-461, Jonathan Pineda 4-829-1830, Sherly Gutierrez 4-783-812 and David Gonzalez 4-810- 1911.

What is ACS?

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a set of clinical signs and symptoms caused by the sudden decrease or interruption of blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium), due to the obstruction of a coronary artery. This can generate myocardial ischemia (lack of oxygen to the heart) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

3 main diagnoses of ACS:

• Unstable angina

This is a less severe form of ACS, but equally urgent, as it can progress to infarction. Chest pain caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the heart, without irreversible damage to the heart muscle (no necrosis yet).

• Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

This is a severe form of infarction that requires immediate intervention. It occurs when there is a total and prolonged obstruction of a coronary artery, causing death (necrosis) of the cardiac tissue.

• Acute Myocardial Infarction without ST Elevation (NSTEMI)

It is an intermediate form between unstable angina and STEMI. It occurs when there is a partial or transient obstruction of a coronary artery, sufficient to cause cellular damage but without producing typical ECG changes.

Causes of ACS:

• Atherosclerosis: accumulation of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries.

• Plaque rupture: releasing lipid content or triggering the formation of a thrombus.

• Coronary spasm: sudden contraction in a coronary artery.

• Coronary thrombosis: the formation of a clot that partially or completely blocks blood flow.

Signs and symptoms of ACS:

Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and do not always follow a classic pattern, especially in women, the elderly and diabetics. The most common include:

• Chest pain.

• Dyspnea.

• Excessive sweating.

• Nausea or vomiting, among others.

Consequences of ACS:

The possible consequences, if not treated in a timely manner, may be:

• Acute myocardial infarction.

• Heart failure.

• Severe arrhythmias.

• Cardiorespiratory arrest, among others.

Treatments for ACS:

A. Initial Treatment:

• Urgent clinical evaluation and electrocardiogram.

• Oxygen (if hypoxia is present).

• Vital signs monitoring.

B. Common medications.

C. Invasive interventions:

• Coronary angioplasty with stent placement: to open the blocked artery (especially in STEMI).

D. Cardiac Rehabilitation and Follow-up.