An Overview and Awareness of Acute Coronary Syndrome Based on Risk Factors, Early Clinical Assessment Tools, and Improving Clinical Outcomes

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide accounting for 17.3 million deaths per year, a number that is estimated to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of cardiovascular diseases and remains the number one cause of death in the United States, killing more than 375,000 Americans every year. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a manifestation of CAD, which is life threatening and an emergency situation. Objective: To provide an overview and an awareness of ACS based on risk factors, early clinical assessment tools, and to improving clinical outcomes. Methods: For registered nurses (RNs) in any clinical setting, this overview will educate and inform nurses how they can approach patient care in an urgent and timely manner. Results: Advances in diagnostic cardiac biomarkers, risk assessment tools, medical management, and invasive strategies have allowed for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and treatment of ACS, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Competence in early recognition of the major differences in clinical presentation of ACS will enable prompt diagnosis and initiation of proven therapies. Implications for Nursing Practice: As the prevalence for ACS continues to rise, RNs in all clinical settings should make a concerted effort to identify and mitigate risk factors early as well as to recognize, diagnose, and respond to ACS events in a timely manner.