Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a new term
being 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.
In acute coronary syndrome, shortness of breath can be due to a weakened heart that causes fluid to backup into the lungs. Palpitations are caused by myocardial ischemia which 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.
