Acute Coronary Syndrome

Lee Health: Helping Our Community Understand the Danger of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Lee Health's heart specialists are here to help you understand acute coronary syndrome. Our experts help people in our community unpack, manage, and treat all things related to cardiology so you can live your best heart-healthy life.

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Acute coronary syndrome is a set of symptoms caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The most common symptom is chest pain. It may be caused by unstable angina or by a heart attack. Acute coronary syndrome should be treated immediately.

If you are experiencing chest pain or other symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, call 911 and seek emergency care.

Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Patients with acute coronary syndrome will not experience the same symptoms. Also, men and women may not experience the same symptoms.

Most common symptoms of acute coronary syndrome are:

• Chest pain, tightness or pressure
• Pain in the left arm or left side of the jaw
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Heartburn or abdominal pain
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Clammy skin

How is Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated?

The treatments for acute coronary syndrome vary depending on what is causing your symptoms. Doctors in the emergency department may perform several tests, including blood tests and an electrocardiogram.

• Medication. Various medications such as aspirin, nitroglycerin and thrombolytics ("clot-busters") can be used to improve blood flow to your heart.
• Angioplasty and stent placement. A thin catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in your thigh and threaded up to the blocked artery. A tiny balloon is then used to open up the blockage. A stent—a miniature wire tube—is then placed in the blood vessel to hold it open and allow blood to flow normally.
• Cornary artery bypass surgery. In this surgery, a blood vessel is taken from another part of your body and used to go around—or bypass—the blocked coronary artery. This surgery is often called "open heart surgery." Coronary artery bypass surgery is often used for more severe blockages.

What is Lee Health's approach to Acute Coronary Syndrome?

The most important factor in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome is providing the appropriate treatment quickly.

At Lee Health, we have analyzed and refined our whole process to minimize our treatment times. Our heart attack team is on standby 24/7.

We also have advanced procedures to help patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Our collaboration with Lee County EMS's enables us to provide immediate cardiac care in the field. Through a newer procedure called therapeutic hypothermia, or whole body cooling therapy, we are improving the odds of a successful recovery for patients who have been resuscitated but are in an induced coma.

Who should I contact if I have questions about cardiovascular care?

For questions related to cardiovascular care or services, email us at hearts@leehealth.org.