Acute coronary syndrome is a phrase that encompasses many different ailments of the heart. Typically, it involves a blockage in an artery in the heart or the area of the heart. A minor blockage can be treated with medication in some cases. In other cases, emergency surgery may be required as a life saving measure.

It is imperative that an accurate diagnosis be done for acute coronary syndrome, using a 12-lead electrocardiogram and testing the levels of serum troponin in a patient. Without these tests, an accurate diagnosis cannot be truly made. Patients are typically placed on oxygen and heart monitor for around the clock monitoring, the moment that they come to the hospital complaining with symptoms. Beta blockers are typically administered and it is determined if a stint is needed and if so, it will be surgically placed as immediately as possible to restore correct blood flow to the heart.

By using blood thinners, blood flow to the heart can be immediately increased while decisions are made as to how the blockage is going to be treated. Typically, a surgeon will decide very quickly if the blockage is going to require surgery to install a stint that will open an artery and remove blockage. In some cases, a surgeon will ask that a heart catheterization be done, in order to look at the actual heart muscle itself.

By running this camera to the heart and shining a light, blockages can be clearly seen on a monitor that the doctor can use to determine where stints are needed. In other cases, a stress test may be ordered first. If you are having a catheterization done, a stint can be put into place during this procedure. In this case, bypass is not deemed necessary and you can be in and out of surgery in a couple of hours time. The 'heart cath' as it is most often called, is a simple procedure that is minimally invasive and you are awake through the process. The recovery is simple and you'll only be restricted from bending, stooping and lifting for a couple of weeks.

If it is determined that your issue can be treated with medications, you will be placed on beta blockers and other drugs that you will take upon leaving the hospital. No doubt that your diet will be scrutinized and a nurse or doctor will go over this with you in detail. You may be asked to attend classes with a dietician. Adjustments to your diet and the medications can actually help you to begin to reverse heart disease.