Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) occurs when a blood clot suddenly forms within a coronary artery, usually due to the acute rupture of a plaque. A blood clot within a coronary artery is considered a medical emergency, since it will often completely stop or significantly reduce the flow of blood to the heart muscle. ACS can produce either unstable angina, or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The plaque rupture that causes ACS can occur at any time, and often completely without warning. Any plaque can rupture, even small ones. This is why you will often hear of people who have a heart attack shortly after being told their coronary artery disease is "insignificant." Indeed, it is now thought that the majority of heart attacks are triggered by the rupture of plaques that are not yet causing significant blockages.

This is why anyone with coronary artery disease - even a "little" coronary artery disease - should take precautions to prevent plaque rupture. Read more about ACS here.