Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Acute coronary syndrome


Overview

Acute coronary syndrome is most often caused by plaque rupture or clot formation in the heart's arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include heart attack-like chest pressure, chest pressure while resting or doing light activity, or sudden stopping of the heart.

Treatments

It's treatable if diagnosed quickly. Treatment may include medications, such as blood thinners, clot busters, or beta blockers. Surgery may be needed.