Last Updated on January 6, 2025 by Analgesia team
ACS Medical Abbreviation
ACS stands for acute coronary syndrome, a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced or stopped. ACS is a type of coronary heart disease (CHD) and includes conditions such as unstable angina, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
ACS is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot. The blockage can be sudden and complete and can damage the heart muscle.
Symptoms of ACS include:
Chest pain or discomfort is common but can vary depending on age, sex, and other medical conditions. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms without chest pain.
Prompt treatment can reopen the arteries and restore blood flow to the heart. Lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent or treat ACS.
How ACS is diagnosed
A blood test can show evidence that heart cells are dying.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) can diagnose an acute coronary syndrome by measuring the heart’s electrical activity.