Acute coronary syndrome

The diagnosis of "acute coronary syndrome" is preliminary and represents a combination of manifestations that can occur with myocardial infarction (with and without elevation of the ST segment) and in angina characterized by instability.

Causes of the condition

The cause of the emergence of acute coronary syndrome is a violation of the heart muscle, or rather, supply it with blood. This happens in the following cases:

• the formation of atherosclerotic plaques narrowing the lumen of blood vessels;
• violation of elasticity and the formation of dense patches in the arteries, supplying the myocardium with blood;
• thrombosis of the arteries with plaques that can be found in any part of the body, but when torn off, they are delivered by blood to the coronary artery.

Provoke acute coronary syndrome may factors such as:

• passive way of life;
• unbalanced nutrition;
• Diabetes disease;
• high pressure;
• hereditary predisposition;
• constant stress.

It should also be noted that the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome usually occurs in males, as well as in people older than 40 years.

Symptoms of acute coronary syndrome

As in most heart disorders, the main symptom of acute coronary syndrome is the onset of prolonged (more than an hour) pressing pain in the area of ​​the myocardium and the left side of the body. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath (lack of air). In addition, there is a sharp weakness, even to fainting . Skin sharply turns pale and there is a cold sweat, the rhythm of cardiac contractions is broken.

First aid for acute coronary syndrome

If you suspect an acute coronary syndrome, first aid is necessary. Before the arrival of ambulance doctors, it is as follows:

1. It is necessary to lie down, lifting slightly the upper part of the body, leaning on pillows, clothes, etc.
2. To chew 1-2 tablets of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
3. Put a nitroglycerin pill under the tongue (in the absence of stabilization of the condition, taking the drug every 5-10 minutes).
4. Provide sufficient fresh air by opening the windows.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of acute coronary syndrome begins after the establishment of the probability of developing a heart attack and includes such activities:

1. Strict bed rest.
2. Oxygen therapy.
3. Admission of pain medications.

In each individual case, the administration of medication prescribed to eliminate atherosclerotic manifestations is prescribed. As a rule, these are preparations of the following groups:

• beta-blockers (drugs that help reduce heart rate, eliminate pain);
• Nitrates (drugs that reduce the level of the need of the heart in oxygen and promote the expansion of blood vessels);
• drugs that reduce blood viscosity;
• preparations with antithrombotic effect;
• statins (drugs that can lower the level of cholesterol);
• drugs that affect the dissolution of freshly formed blood clots.

With the frequent occurrence of acute coronary syndrome and in the presence of certain indicators, surgical methods for restoring the blood supply of the heart can be recommended. This is stenting and coronary bypass.

Prevention of myocardial diseases, including after an acute coronary syndrome, consists in changing the way of life toward improving its quality. To do this, it is necessary to revise your diet, enriching it with cellulose, fresh vegetables and fruits. It should also reduce the consumption of fatty foods.

It is preferable to abandon bad habits (smoking and alcohol), more to be in the fresh air. Cardiovascular exercises, swimming, yoga give a good result in strengthening the heart muscle and reducing the level of stress. As a medical prophylaxis, you should monitor blood pressure, as well as the level of cholesterol in the blood.