Overview
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a broad term for three types of coronary artery disease that affect millions of people each year. These potentially life-threatening conditions occur when a blockage causes blood flow to your heart to suddenly slow or stop.
People with ACS can experience unstable angina or a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Common signs include chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea) or dizziness.
Acute coronary syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Prompt treatment is important to ease symptoms and prevent complications. If you think you’re having a heart attack, take an aspirin and call 911 immediately.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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