Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a new term used to describe the range of clinical conditions from unstable angina to acute myocardial infarction. The
symptoms, which vary from patient to patient, are caused by acute myocardial ischemia that in turn are due to underlying coronary artery disease. These
include:
In acute coronary syndrome, shortness of breath can be due to a weakened heart that causes fluid to backup into the lungs. Palpitations
can be caused by myocardial ischemia that makes the heart muscle irritable. Nausea and weakness can be due in part to stimulation of
the vagus nerve. In addition, nausea can be caused by hypotension and direct abdominal stimulation.
