Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Department

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of conditions including unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Diagnosis and management of ACS in the emergency department (ED) involve prompt recognition of symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluation, and cardiac biomarker testing such as troponin levels. Initial treatment includes oxygen therapy, antiplatelet agents, pain control, and urgent revascularization in cases of STEMI. Risk stratification tools such as the TIMI and GRACE scores help guide clinical decision-making and determine the appropriate level of care for ACS patients presenting to the ED.