What is the primary risk related to untreated acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

The primary risk related to untreated acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is cardiac muscle death. When ACS occurs, it typically means there is a reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. If this blockage is not quickly resolved, the heart muscle does not receive the oxygen it needs, leading to ischemia and eventual necrosis, or death, of cardiac tissue. This can result in serious complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, and even sudden cardiac death if not treated promptly.

The other options, while potentially relevant to overall cardiovascular health, do not directly encapsulate the immediate and critical danger posed by untreated ACS. Increased cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease over time but are not an immediate risk in the context of an existing acute event. Similarly, while ACS can increase the risk of stroke due to shared risk factors or potential embolism, it is not the most direct consequence of untreated ACS. Heart rhythm irregularities can occur as a complication of ACS but are secondary to the more immediate threat of cardiac muscle death.