Acute Coronary Syndrome

Rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque is the usual initiating event in an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Persistent thrombotic occlusion at the site of plaque rupture results in acute myocardial infarction. The early management of the patient is essential and crucially affects the prognosis of an ACS. Management includes the relief of ischemic pain and the initiation of an antithrombotic therapy, including an antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy with aspirin and heparin to prevent further thrombosis of or embolism from an ulcerated plaque.