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Pharmacy & Acute Care University
Pharmacy & Acute Care University
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Emergency Medicine: Cardiology 213

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  1. Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Focus on STEMI
    10 Topics
    |
    3 Quizzes
  2. Acute decompensated heart failure
    10 Topics
    |
    3 Quizzes
  3. Hypertensive Urgency and Emergency Management
    11 Topics
    |
    3 Quizzes
  4. Acute aortic dissection
    8 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  5. Supraventricular Arrhythmias (Afib, AVNRT)
    10 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  6. Ventricular Arrhythmias
    10 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes

Participants 396

  • Allison Clemens
  • April
  • ababaabhay
  • achoi2392
  • adhoward1
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Definition and Incidence

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term used to describe a spectrum of clinical presentations, including unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
  • Incidence of ACS is estimated to be 1.5-2 million cases annually in the United States.
  • Risk factors for ACS include: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, family history of coronary artery disease, and sedentary lifestyle.

Bar graph depicting relative risk of ACS for the listed risk factors.

Pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Clinical Presentation

  • Chest pain (angina) is the most common symptom of ACS
  • Other symptoms may include: sweating, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness
  • History and physical exam are necessary to evaluate ACS
  • Risk factors for ACS include:
    • Smoking
    • Hypertension
    • Dyslipidemia
    • Diabetes
    • Family history