Acute coronary syndromes

Douglas D. Yun, Joseph S. Alpert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acute coronary syndromes are defined as unstable angina, non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, and Q-wave myocardial infarction. These entities remain among the commonest life-threatening illnesses in industrialized nations. Prompt recognition of a patient with an acute coronary syndrome is important since appropriate therapy can markedly improve the patient’s prognosis. Reperfusion strategies for patients with Q-wave myocardial infarction, and anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy for patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction are examples of such potentially life-saving interventions. A number of adjunctive pharmacological interventions are also beneficial following reperfusion therapy in patients with Q-wave myocardial infarction. Management of complications following Q-wave myocardial infarction has improved markedly in recent years. This is particularly the case with postinfarction ischemia or heart failure. Persistent arrhythmias, and in particular ventricular arrhythmias, remain a troubling challenge for the clinician. Reperfusion therapy markedly reduces the incidence of complications following Q-wave myocardial infarction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)223-237
Number of pages15
JournalCardiology (Switzerland)
Volume88
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1997

Keywords

  • Acute coronary syndromes
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Coronary care
  • Reperfusion
  • Unstable angina

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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