Unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (acute coronary syndromes)

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the sequelae that stem from this disease process affect millions of patients every year. In addition to a comprehensive history and physical examination, biochemical markers have been developed to aid in diagnosing ACS. Once the diagnosis has been established, there is a medley of medications that are used commonly in the treatment of unstable angina. These medications include anti-ischemic, vasodilator, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and statin therapies. Increasingly, newer agents within each drug class are being developed and utilized. Beyond medical therapy, revascularization is frequently performed and is very efficacious in treating ACS. The timing, extent, and type of revascularization are individualized to each patient and are determined by the clinical, local, and anatomical nature of the patient's underlying coronary artery disease.