Acute coronary syndrome: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Switzerland, about 20 000 people experience an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event each year. Acute coronary syndromes comprise ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina. The diagnosis is made based on the clinical presentation, a rise in cardiac biomarkers, and ischemic ECG changes. In patients with acute STEMI, urgent coronary angiography with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open the occluded artery is indicated. In patients with NSTEMI and unstable angina, the timing of coronary angiography and PCI is based on the clinical presentation and on a comprehensive and individualized risk stratification. Optimal secondary prevention and aggressive cardiovascular risk factor control are important following the acute event. Keywords.