CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
Also referred to as myocardial infarction or unstable angina. We treat symptoms of acute coronary syndrome at our world-class hospitals.
What is acute coronary syndrome?
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term for a specific medical emergency: when the blood supplying the heart muscle is suddenly significantly reduced or blocked. Both heart attacks and unstable angina are acute coronary syndromes and require emergency care.
In the first instance you should call 999 or attend your local emergency department, if you think you are experiencing ACS. You will need to be admitted to an acute cardiac care unit immediately. If you have a primary care cardiologist, they can be contacted as part of your care.
Need to know
The first symptom of acute coronary syndrome is typically chest pain or discomfort. You may also feel pressure or tightness in your chest, as well as pain in the left or both arms, jaw and upper abdomen. You may also feel nausea and sweating.
All of these symptoms should be taken seriously and you should call 999.
If you have an ACS, it's likely that emergency tests will be conducted in the emergency department of the nearest hospital. The two main tests for ACS are:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). Electrodes are attached to your skin so that electrical activity in your heart can be measured. ACS causes characteristic changes in the ECG which confirms the diagnosis.
- Blood tests. These detect the presence of particular cardiac enzymes in the blood. After the death of heart muscle, the level of cardiac enzymes in the blood rises. This confirms a heart attack..
Your consultant will try and restore blood flow to the heart through angioplasty and stenting. This involves passing a deflated balloon through a catheter (via the groin or the wrist), which is then inflated to open up the narrowed or blocked artery. A stent is then expanded there and remains within the blood vessel to preserve blood flow to the heart.
Our Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) locations
The Cardiac Clinic
London Bridge Hospital SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
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Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.