What does acute coronary syndrome (ACS) indicate?

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) indicates a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart. This condition encompasses a range of scenarios where the coronary arteries are either partially or completely obstructed, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. This reduction in blood flow can lead to serious cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or unstable angina, which are critical components of ACS.

The terminology of ACS emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the condition, as timely medical intervention is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize heart muscle damage. In contrast, chronic heart failure represents a long-term condition, stable angina refers to predictable chest pain during exertion and is related to chronic ischemia, and arrhythmias signify irregular heartbeats, which may occur in various contexts but are not synonymous with ACS. Thus, the defining characteristic of acute coronary syndrome is the acute and potentially life-threatening nature of the sudden decrease in blood flow to the myocardium.