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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 223-237 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Cardiology (Switzerland) |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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)