People who experience an acute coronary syndrome usually have chest pressure or ache, shortness of breath, and/or fatigue.
People who think they are experiencing an acute coronary syndrome should call for emergency help and then chew an aspirin tablet.
Doctors use electrocardiography and measure substances in the blood to determine whether a person is experiencing an acute coronary syndrome.
Treatment varies depending on the type of syndrome but usually includes attempts to increase blood flow to affected areas of the heart.
(See also Overview of Coronary Artery Disease Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more 
.)
In the United States, more than 900,000 people have a heart attack or sudden cardiac death each year. And acute coronary syndromes cause almost 400,000 deaths each year. Almost all of them have underlying coronary artery disease and about two thirds of them are men.
Causes of Acute Coronary Syndromes
The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary arteries Blood Supply of the Heart The heart and blood vessels constitute the cardiovascular (circulatory) system. The heart pumps the blood to the lungs so it can pick up oxygen and then pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.... read more , which branch off the aorta just after it leaves the heart, deliver this blood. An acute coronary syndrome occurs when a sudden blockage in a coronary artery greatly reduces or cuts off the blood supply to an area of the heart muscle (myocardium). The lack of blood supply to any tissue is termed ischemia. If the supply is greatly reduced or cut off for more than a few minutes, heart tissue dies. A heart attack, also termed myocardial infarction (MI), is death of heart tissue due to ischemia.
A blood clot is the most common cause of a blocked coronary artery (see also Overview of Coronary Artery Disease Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more ). Usually, the artery is already partially narrowed by a buildup of cholesterol and other fatty materials in the artery wall Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is a condition in which patchy deposits of fatty material (atheromas or atherosclerotic plaques) develop in the walls of medium-sized and large arteries, leading to reduced or... read more 
(atheroma). An atheroma may rupture or tear, which releases substances that make platelets stickier, encouraging clots to form. In about two thirds of people, the blood clot dissolves on its own, typically within a day or so. However, by this time, some heart damage has usually occurred.
Uncommonly, a heart attack results when a clot forms in the heart itself, breaks away, and lodges in a coronary artery. Another uncommon cause is a spasm of a coronary artery that stops blood flow. Spasms may be caused by drugs such as cocaine. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Classification
Doctors classify acute coronary syndromes based on
The presence of substances in the blood (cardiac markers) released by the damaged heart
Symptoms
Electrocardiography (ECG) results
The classification is important because treatments differ depending on the specific acute coronary syndrome. The classification consists of unstable angina and two types of heart attack.
Unstable angina is a change in the pattern of angina symptoms Symptoms Angina is temporary chest pain or a sensation of pressure that occurs while the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen. A person with angina usually has discomfort or pressure beneath the... read more (chest discomfort), including prolonged or worsening angina and new onset of severe angina symptoms. People who have unstable angina do not have signs of heart attack on their ECG or blood tests.
Non-ST-segment elevation MI is a heart attack that doctors can identify by blood tests but that does not produce typical changes (ST-segment elevation) on an ECG.
ST-segment elevation MI is a heart attack that doctors can identify by blood tests and also produces typical changes on an ECG (ST-segment elevation) .
Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Symptoms of the acute coronary syndromes are similar, and it is usually impossible to distinguish the syndromes based on symptoms alone.
Symptoms of unstable angina are the same as those of angina pectoris Symptoms Angina is temporary chest pain or a sensation of pressure that occurs while the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen. A person with angina usually has discomfort or pressure beneath the... read more —people typically have intermittent pressure, or an ache beneath the breastbone (sternum). People often interpret the sensation as discomfort or heaviness rather than pain. Discomfort also may occur in either shoulder or down the inside of either arm, through the back, and in the throat, jaw, or teeth. However, in people with unstable angina, the pattern changes. People experience more frequent or more severe episodes of angina, or episodes occur at rest or after less physical exertion. About two of three people who have heart attacks experience unstable angina, shortness of breath, or fatigue a few days or weeks beforehand. Such a change in the pattern of chest pain discomfort may culminate in a heart attack.
With a heart attack, the most recognizable symptom is usually pain in the middle of the chest that may spread to the back, jaw, or left arm. Less often, the pain spreads to the right arm. The pain may occur in one or more of these places and not in the chest at all. The pain of a heart attack is similar to the pain of angina but is generally more severe, lasts longer, and is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Less often, pain is felt in the abdomen, where it may be mistaken for indigestion, especially because belching may bring partial or temporary relief. For unknown reasons, women often have different symptoms, sometimes described as atypical chest pain, that are less likely to be accurately diagnosed as a heart problem.
About one third of people who have a heart attack do not have chest pain. Such people are more likely to be women, people who are not white, those who are older than 75, those who have heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or... read more 
or diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Urination and thirst are... read more , and those who have had a stroke Overview of Stroke A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in death of an area of brain tissue due to loss of its blood supply (cerebral infarction). Symptoms occur suddenly... read more .
Other symptoms include a feeling of faintness or actually fainting, sudden heavy sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and a heavy pounding of the heart (palpitations).
During a heart attack, a person may become restless, sweaty, and anxious and may experience a sense of impending doom. The lips, hands, or feet may turn slightly blue.
Older people may have unusual symptoms. In many, the most obvious symptom is breathlessness. Symptoms may resemble those of a stomach upset or a stroke. Older people may become disoriented. Nonetheless, about two thirds of older people have chest pain, as do younger people. Older people, especially women, often take longer than younger people to admit they are ill or to seek medical help.
Despite all the possible symptoms, as many as one of five people who have a heart attack have only mild symptoms or none at all. Such a silent heart attack may be recognized only when ECG is routinely done some time afterward.
During the early hours of a heart attack, heart murmurs and other abnormal heart sounds may be heard through a stethoscope.
Complications
People who have a heart attack may also have complications Complications of an Acute Coronary Syndrome The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary arteries, which branch off the aorta just after it leaves the heart, deliver this blood. An acute coronary syndrome... read more that can be long-lasting. The complications of acute coronary syndromes depend on how much of the heart muscle is damaged which is a direct result of where a coronary artery was blocked and how long this artery was blocked. If the blockage affects a large amount of heart muscle, the heart will not pump effectively and can become enlarged, possibly leading to heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or... read more . If the blockage shuts off blood flow to the electrical system of the heart, the heart rhythm may be affected, possibly leading to arrhythmia Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are sequences of heartbeats that are irregular, too fast, too slow, or conducted via an abnormal electrical pathway through the heart. Heart disorders are... read more 
and sudden death (cardiac arrest Cardiac Arrest and CPR Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood and oxygen to the brain and other organs and tissues. Sometimes a person can be revived after cardiac arrest, particularly if treatment is... read more 
).
Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Blood tests
Whenever a man over age about 30 or a woman over age about 40 reports chest pain Chest Pain Chest pain is a very common complaint. Pain may be sharp or dull, although some people with a chest disorder describe their sensation as discomfort, tightness, pressure, gas, burning, or aching... read more , doctors usually consider the possibility of an acute coronary syndrome. But several other conditions can cause similar pain, such as pneumonia Overview of Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and the tissues around them. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Often, pneumonia is the final... read more 
, a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Pulmonary embolism is the blocking of an artery of the lung (pulmonary artery) by a collection of solid material brought through the bloodstream (embolus)—usually a blood clot (thrombus) or... read more ), pericarditis Acute Pericarditis Acute pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (the flexible two-layered sac that envelops the heart) that begins suddenly, is often painful, and causes fluid and blood components such... read more 
, a rib fracture Rib Fractures A rib fracture is a crack or break in the bones enclosing the chest. Rib fractures cause severe pain, particularly when a person breathes deeply. A chest x-ray is usually taken. People are given... read more 
, spasm of the esophagus Esophageal Spasm Esophageal spasm is a disorder of the rhythmic waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis) of the esophagus. The cause of this disorder is not known. Symptoms include chest pain and difficulty... read more , indigestion Indigestion Indigestion is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. People may also describe the sensation as gassiness, a sense of fullness, or gnawing or burning. The sense of fullness may occur after... read more , or chest muscle tenderness after injury or exertion.
ECG Electrocardiography Electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick, simple, painless procedure in which the heart’s electrical impulses are amplified and recorded. This record, the electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG)... read more 
and certain blood tests can usually confirm the diagnosis within a few hours.
Electrocardiography
ECG Electrocardiography Electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick, simple, painless procedure in which the heart’s electrical impulses are amplified and recorded. This record, the electrocardiogram (also known as an ECG)... read more is the most important initial diagnostic procedure when doctors suspect an acute coronary syndrome. This procedure provides a graphic representation of the electrical current producing each heartbeat. In many instances, it immediately shows that a person is having a heart attack. Abnormalities detected by ECG help doctors determine the type of treatment needed. The abnormalities on ECG also help show where the heart muscle was damaged. If a person has had previous heart problems, which can alter the ECG, the most recent damage may be harder for doctors to detect. Such people should carry a small copy of their ECG in their wallets, so that if they have symptoms of an acute coronary syndrome, doctors can compare the previous ECG with the current ECG. If a few ECGs recorded over several hours are completely normal, doctors consider a heart attack unlikely.
Cardiac markers
Measuring levels of certain substances (called cardiac markers) in the blood also helps doctors diagnose acute coronary syndromes. These substances are normally found in heart muscle but are released into the blood only when heart muscle is damaged or dead. Most commonly measured are heart muscle proteins called troponin I and troponin T and an enzyme called CK-MB (creatinine kinase, myocardial band subunit). Levels in the blood are elevated within 6 hours of a heart attack and remain elevated for several days. Levels of cardiac markers are usually measured when the person is admitted to the hospital and at 6- to 12-hour intervals for the next 24 hours.
Other testing
When ECG and cardiac marker measurements do not provide enough information, echocardiography Echocardiography and Other Ultrasound Procedures Ultrasonography uses high-frequency (ultrasound) waves bounced off internal structures to produce a moving image. It uses no x-rays. Ultrasonography of the heart (echocardiography) is one of... read more 
or radionuclide imaging Radionuclide Imaging of the Heart In radionuclide imaging, a tiny amount of a radioactive substance (radionuclide), called a tracer, is injected into a vein. The amount of radiation the person receives from the radionuclide... read more may be done. Echocardiography may show reduced motion in part of the wall of the left ventricle (the heart chamber that pumps blood to the body). This finding sometimes suggests damage due to a heart attack.
Other tests may be done during or shortly after hospitalization. These tests are used to determine whether a person needs additional treatment or is likely to have more heart problems. For instance, a person may have to wear a Holter monitor Holter Monitor: Continuous ECG Readings 
, which records the heart’s electrical activity for 24 hours. This procedure enables doctors to detect whether the person has abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or episodes of inadequate blood supply without symptoms (silent ischemia). An exercise stress test Stress Testing Stressing the heart (by exercise or by use of stimulant drugs to make the heart beat faster and more forcibly) can help identify coronary artery disease. In coronary artery disease, blood flow... read more 
(electrocardiography done during exercise) before or shortly after discharge can help determine how well the person is doing after the heart attack and whether ischemia is continuing. If these procedures detect abnormal heart rhythms or ischemia, drug therapy Drug Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary arteries, which branch off the aorta just after it leaves the heart, deliver this blood. Coronary artery disease that... read more may be recommended. If ischemia persists, doctors may recommend coronary angiography Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Angiography Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography are minimally invasive methods of studying the heart and the blood vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries) without doing surgery. These... read more 
to evaluate the possibility of doing percutaneous coronary intervention Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more or coronary artery bypass grafting Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more to restore blood flow to the heart.
During an exercise tolerance (stress) test, the person walks at an increasingly rapid pace on a treadmill. The person wears a blood pressure cuff (the black arm band), which monitors blood pressure throughout the procedure. A video monitor displays the pulse and ECG. The results help determine the presence of coronary artery disease.
Video from Video Tape Library, Ltd.
Prognosis for Acute Coronary Syndromes
Many people who have unstable angina go on to have a heart attack within about 3 months.
The most dangerous time for someone who is having a heart attack is during the first few hours and before they go to a hospital. During this period, up to 20 to 30 percent of people with a heart attack may die, so it is critical to seek medical attention immediately when people suspect they are having a heart attack. Most people who survive for a few days after a heart attack can expect a full recovery, but about 10% die within a year. Most deaths occur in the first 3 or 4 months, typically in people who continue to have angina, abnormal heart rhythms Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are sequences of heartbeats that are irregular, too fast, too slow, or conducted via an abnormal electrical pathway through the heart. Heart disorders are... read more originating in the ventricles (ventricular arrhythmias), or heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or... read more . The prognosis is worse if the heart has enlarged after a heart attack than if heart size remains normal.
Older people are more likely to die after a heart attack and to have complications, such as heart failure. The prognosis for smaller people is worse than that for larger people. This finding may help explain why the prognosis for women who have had a heart attack is, on average, worse than that for men. Women also tend to be older and to have more serious disorders when they have a heart attack. Also, they tend to wait longer after a heart attack to go to the hospital than do men.
Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndromes
For people who have had a heart attack, doctors recommend taking one baby aspirin, one half of an adult aspirin, or one full adult aspirin daily. Because aspirin prevents platelets from forming clots, it reduces the risk of death and the risk of a second heart attack by 15 to 30%. People with an allergy to aspirin may take clopidogrel instead. Aspirin is not currently recommended for prevention of acute coronary syndrome in people who have not already had a heart attack.
Usually, doctors also prescribe a beta-blocker (such as metoprolol) for people who have had a heart attack because these drugs reduce the risk of death by about 25%. The more serious the heart attack, the more benefit beta-blockers provide. However, some people cannot tolerate the side effects (such as wheezing, tiredness, erectile dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or sustain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse. (See also Overview of Sexual Dysfunction in Men.) Every man occasionally has... read more , and cold limbs), and not everyone benefits.
Taking lipid-lowering drugs will reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. People at high risk (especially obese people with diabetes) who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke may benefit from lipid-lowering drugs.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as captopril, enalapril, perindopril erbumine, trandolapril, lisinopril, and ramipril, are often prescribed after a heart attack. These drugs help prevent death and the development of heart failure, particularly in people who have had a massive heart attack or who develop heart failure.
People should also make changes in their lifestyle. They should eat a low-fat diet and increase the amount of exercise they get. People who have high blood pressure or diabetes should try to keep those disorders under control. People who smoke should quit.
Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Drugs
Reopening or bypassing blocked arteries
Lifestyle changes
Acute coronary syndromes are medical emergencies. Half of deaths due to a heart attack occur in the first 3 or 4 hours after symptoms begin. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of survival. Anyone having symptoms that might indicate an acute coronary syndrome should obtain prompt medical attention. Prompt transportation to a hospital’s emergency department by an ambulance with trained personnel may save the person’s life. Trying to contact the person’s doctor, relatives, friends, or neighbors is a dangerous waste of time.
Did You Know...
|
People who may be having a heart attack are usually admitted to a hospital that has a cardiac care unit. Heart rhythm, blood pressure, and the amount of oxygen in the blood are closely monitored so that heart damage can be assessed. Nurses in these units are specially trained to care for people with heart problems and to handle heart emergencies.
Often, oxygen is given through nasal prongs or a face mask. Providing more oxygen to the heart helps keep heart tissue damage to a minimum.
If no complications Complications of an Acute Coronary Syndrome The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary arteries, which branch off the aorta just after it leaves the heart, deliver this blood. An acute coronary syndrome... read more occur during the first few days, most people can safely leave the hospital within a few more days. If complications such as abnormal heart rhythms Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are sequences of heartbeats that are irregular, too fast, too slow, or conducted via an abnormal electrical pathway through the heart. Heart disorders are... read more develop or the heart can no longer pump adequately (heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or... read more ), hospitalization can be prolonged.
Drug treatment
The most important issue in the early part of treatment of a heart attack is to get to medical attention quickly so doctors can attempt to restore blood flow in the affected artery. People who think they may be having a heart attack should chew an aspirin tablet immediately after calling an ambulance. If aspirin is not taken at home or given by emergency personnel, it is immediately given at the hospital. This therapy improves the chances of survival by reducing the size of the clot (if present) in the coronary artery. People with an allergy to aspirin may be given clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or ticagrelor instead. Some people are given both aspirin and clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or ticagrelor.
People are given drugs to prevent the formation of blood clots, to reduce anxiety, and to reduce the size of the heart. People may need to take these drugs for some time after they have recovered from a heart attack. Drugs are used to reduce the heart's workload during and after a heart attack.
Because decreasing the heart’s workload also helps limit tissue damage, a beta-blocker is usually given to slow the heart rate. Slowing the rate enables the heart to work less hard and reduces the area of damaged tissue.
Most people are also given an anticoagulant drug, such as heparin, to help prevent the formation of additional blood clots.
Most people are given nitroglycerin, which relieves pain by reducing the workload of the heart and possibly by dilating arteries. Usually, it is first given under the tongue, then intravenously. Occasionally, when nitroglycerine cannot be used or is ineffective, doctors give morphine to reduce discomfort and anxiety.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors High blood pressure is very common. It often does not cause symptoms; however, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Therefore, it is important... read more can reduce heart enlargement and increase the chance of survival for many people. Therefore, these drugs are usually given in the first few days after a heart attack and prescribed indefinitely.
Statins Treatment Dyslipidemia is a high level of cholesterol and/or triglycerides or a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Lifestyle, genetics, disorders (such as low thyroid hormone levels... read more 
have long been used to help prevent coronary artery disease, but doctors have recently found that they also have short-term benefit for people with an acute coronary syndrome. Doctors give a statin to people who are not already taking one.
More information on the drugs used to treat heart attack Drug Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary arteries, which branch off the aorta just after it leaves the heart, deliver this blood. Coronary artery disease that... read more can be found elsewhere in THE MANUAL.
Opening the arteries
The decision on the timing and method of opening a blocked coronary artery depends on the type of acute coronary syndrome and on how quickly the person got to the hospital. There are several ways to open blocked coronary arteries:
Clot-dissolving drugs
Bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting)
In people who have an ST-segment elevation MI, immediately clearing the coronary artery blockage saves heart tissue and improves survival. Doctors try to clear the blockage within 90 minutes after the person arrives at the hospital. Because the sooner the artery is cleared the better the outcome, the method of clearing is probably not as important as the timing.
Percutaneous cardiac interventions Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more (PCI), such as angioplasty and stent placement, appear to be the best way to open blocked arteries during an ST-segment elevation MI if they can be done within 90 minutes of the time the person arrives at the hospital.
Clot-dissolving drugs (also called thrombolytic or fibrinolytic drugs—see table Drugs Used to Treat Coronary Artery Disease Drugs Used to Treat Coronary Artery Disease* 
) are given by vein (intravenously) to open the arteries if PCI procedures are not available within the 90-minute time frame. Thrombolytic drugs include streptokinase, tenecteplase (TNK-tPA), alteplase, and reteplase. Although better if given immediately, these drugs can work well within 3 hours and may be of some benefit for up to 12 hours after the person arrives at the hospital. In some areas, thrombolytic drugs are given before hospital arrival by specially trained paramedics. Most people who are given a thrombolytic drug still need to have PCI before they leave the hospital.
Because thrombolytic drugs can cause bleeding, they are not usually given to people who have bleeding in the digestive tract, who have severe high blood pressure, who have recently had a stroke, or who have had surgery during the month before the heart attack. Older people who do not have any of these conditions can be safely given a thrombolytic drug.
People who have a non-ST-segment elevation MI or unstable angina do not usually benefit from immediate PCI or thrombolytic drugs. However, doctors usually do PCI within the first day or two of hospitalization. If the person’s symptoms worsen or certain complications develop, doctors may do PCI earlier.
In some people, coronary artery bypass grafting Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more (CABG) is done during an acute coronary syndrome instead of using PCI or a thrombolytic drug. For example, CABG may be used for people who cannot be given a thrombolytic drug (for example, because they have a bleeding disorder or have had a recent stroke or recent major surgery). CABG may also be used for people who cannot undergo PCI because of the severity of their arterial disease (for example, because there are many areas of blockage or heart function is poor, especially if the person also has diabetes).
General measures
Because physical exertion, emotional distress, and excitement stress the heart and make it work harder, a person who has just had a heart attack should stay in bed for a short while and stay in a quiet room for a few days. Visitors are usually limited to family members and close friends. Watching television may be permitted if the programs do not cause stress.
Smoking, a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, is prohibited in hospitals. Moreover, an acute coronary syndrome is a compelling reason to stop smoking Smoking Cessation While often very challenging, quitting smoking is one of the most important things smokers can do for their health. Quitting smoking brings immediate health benefits that increase over time... read more .
Stool softeners and gentle laxatives may be used to prevent constipation, so that the person does not have to strain. If the person cannot pass urine or if the doctors and nurses need to keep track of the precise amount of urine produced, a urinary catheter is used.
For severe nervousness (which can stress the heart), a mild antianxiety drug (for example, a benzodiazepine such as lorazepam) may be prescribed. To deal with mild depression and denial of illness, which are common after acute coronary syndromes, people are encouraged to talk about their feelings with doctors, nurses, social workers, and their family members and friends. Some people require an antidepressant.
Discharge
After about 2 to 4 days in the hospital, people who have had an uncomplicated heart attack and successful PCI are usually discharged. Other people may require a longer stay.
Nitroglycerin, aspirin, and sometimes clopidogrel, a beta-blocker, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and a lipid-lowering drug Lipid-lowering drugs Dyslipidemia is a high level of cholesterol and/or triglycerides or a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Lifestyle, genetics, disorders (such as low thyroid hormone levels... read more (most often, a statin) are usually prescribed.
Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation Rehabilitation for Heart Disorders Cardiac rehabilitation is useful for some people who have had a recent heart attack, have heart failure or coronary artery disease that has recently developed or suddenly worsened, or had heart... read more , an important part of recovery, begins in the hospital. Remaining in bed for longer than 2 or 3 days leads to physical deconditioning and sometimes to depression and a sense of helplessness. Barring complications, people who have had a heart attack can usually progress to sitting in a chair, passive exercise, use of a commode chair, and reading on the first day. By the second or third day, people are encouraged to walk to the bathroom and engage in nonstressful activities, and they can do more activities each day. If everything goes well, people are usually back to their normal activities within about 6 weeks. Participation in a regular exercise program consistent with the person’s age and heart health is beneficial.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
aspirin |
Anacin Adult Low Strength, Aspergum, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab , Aspir-Trin , Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Womens Aspirin , BeneHealth Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose, DURLAZA, Easprin , Ecotrin, Ecotrin Low Strength, Genacote, Halfprin, MiniPrin, St. Joseph Adult Low Strength, St. Joseph Aspirin, VAZALORE, Zero Order Release Aspirin, ZORprin |
nitroglycerin |
Deponit, GONITRO , Minitran, Nitrek, Nitro Bid, Nitrodisc, Nitro-Dur, Nitrogard , Nitrol, Nitrolingual, NitroMist , Nitronal, Nitroquick, Nitrostat, Nitrotab, Nitro-Time, RECTIV, Transdermal-NTG, Tridil |
clopidogrel |
Plavix |
metoprolol |
KAPSPARGO, Lopressor, Toprol XL |
captopril |
Capoten |
enalapril |
Epaned, Vasotec |
perindopril |
Aceon |
trandolapril |
Mavik |
lisinopril |
Prinivil, QBRELIS, Zestril |
ramipril |
Altace |
ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
ticagrelor |
BRILINTA |
heparin |
Hepflush-10 , Hep-Lock, Hep-Lock U/P, Monoject Prefill Advanced Heparin Lock Flush, SASH Normal Saline and Heparin |
morphine |
ARYMO ER, Astramorph PF, Avinza, DepoDur, Duramorph PF, Infumorph, Kadian, MITIGO, MORPHABOND, MS Contin, MSIR, Opium Tincture, Oramorph SR, RMS, Roxanol, Roxanol-T |
tenecteplase |
TNKase |
alteplase |
Activase, Cathflo Activase |
lorazepam |
Ativan, Loreev XR |
