Acute coronary syndromes

Abstract

Acute coronary syndromes have been subject to revisions of both definition and treatment in recent years. As a result, more patients with these conditions are seen by physicians and more are considered for varied forms of treatment. Much of the clinical decision making is based upon trials that have identified reductions in relative risk for the treated patients. This review discusses the pathophysiology of the condition as well as the therapeutic options (without issuing guidelines). There are considerable challenges for physicians managing patients with these conditions. These challenges are in the conventional areas of risk stratification and cost, but are also in the logistics of investigating and revascularising these patients as quickly as possible.