Acute coronary syndrome represents a spectrum of cardiac disease. This includes ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina (UA). NSTEMI usually results from severe coronary narrowing and transient epicardial vessel occlusions that produce some level of myocardial damage as illustrated by the positive cardiac biomarkers. Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without dyspnea, nausea, and diaphoresis. Diagnosis is by ECG, which demonstrates ST depressions and the presence of positive serologic markers. Treatment is antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, nitrates, β-blockers, and consideration for reperfusion therapy via percutaneous intervention or, occasionally, coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
See Acute coronary syndrome for more details in The Manuals.
References:
Amsterdam EA, Wenger NK, Brindis RG, et al. 2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64(24):e139-e228. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2014.09.017.