The nature of the problem: an overview of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction

The leading cause of death worldwide is coronary heart disease (CHD). This often presents with atherosclerotic plaque rupture, leading to a partial or complete obstruction of coronary artery flow, and resulting ischemia or infarction of myocardial tissue. There are risk factors which can predict CHD risk, and the treatment of some risk factors can reduce the likelihood of developing an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While the incidence of CHD may be decreasing in the developed world, significant increases are projected in the developing world. In addition to the immediate adverse events associated with ACS, these patients have long-term increases in morbidity and mortality, which make the worldwide epidemic of CHD a leading public health issue.