Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurs when a plaque inside a coronary artery suddenly ruptures. A blood clot forms and blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. This deprives the heart of oxygen-rich blood and causes unstable angina or a heart attack. The amount of time blood flow is blocked and the extent of heart damage determine which type of ACS occurs. But it is always considered a life-threatening condition.

Current as of: May 1, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Rakesh K. Pai, MD - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & George J. Philippides, MD, FACC - Cardiology