Introduction
ACS occurs when myocardial oxygen demand exceeds circulatory supply.
This initially results in ischaemia; prolonged ischaemia results in infarction (myocardial cell necrosis).
A reduction in oxygen supply is precipitated by mechanical or inflammatory disruption (rupture or erosion) of an atherosclerotic coronary artery plaque associated with varying degrees of local vasoconstriction, thrombosis and micro-embolisation.
Atherosclerotic plaque disruption initiates thrombosis with platelet activation and platelet aggregation.