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Acute Coronary Syndrome

From , former About.com Guide

Updated: August 13, 2008

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Definition:

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term used to refer to several disorders caused by the formation of blood clots within the vessels supplying the heart

If the blood clot forms, and then dissolves, the symptoms will fade, and the patient is said to have "unstable angina."

If the blood clot forms, and does not dissolve quickly, a heart attack usually occurs.

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