Acute Coronary Syndromes Overview

Question 1

What are the types of acute coronary syndromes?

Answer 1

• Stable Angina
• Unstable Angina
• NSTEMI (Non-ST elevated myocardial infarction)
• STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction)

Question 2

What is STABLE ANGINA and what are the Troponin levels?

Answer 2

Caused by atherosclerotic plaque in vessels, worsens by exercise as vessel unable to dilate enough (pain subsides with rest)

Troponin - Normal

Question 3

What is UNSTABLE ANGINA and what are the Troponin levels?

Answer 3

Atherosclerotic plaque ruptures and a thrombus (clot) forms around the plaque causing PARTIAL OCCLUSION. Can happen at any time (REST or During Exercise)

Troponin - Normal

Question 4

What is NSTEMI and what are the Troponin levels?

Answer 4

The plaque rupture and thrombus formation cause PARTIAL occlusion to the vessel resulting in infarction (tissue death due to lack of blood supply) of the myocardium

Troponin - Elevated

Question 5

What is STEMI and what are the Troponin levels?

Answer 5

COMPLETE occlusion of vessel resulting in infarction of myocardium. ST elevated on ECG

Troponin - Elevated

Question 6

How can ACS be diagnosed?

Answer 6

• ECG findings

- Biomarkers (levels of troponin)