Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) are characterized by chest pain and include ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina [1]. ACSs are various types of coronary artery disease (CAD), which are responsible for one-third of all deaths in people older than 35 years. Interestingly, some forms of CAD can be asymptomatic, such as myocardial ischemia; however, ACSs are always symptomatic and associated with chest pain. ACS involves performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess abnormalities or evidence of myocardial ischemia, taking a targeted clinical history to assess the clinical context of the presentation, and carrying out a targeted clinical examination to assess clinical and hemodynamic stability [1]. After the initial assessment, the physician can decide whether or not immediate invasive management is necessary, depending upon the clinical status of the patient. Although coronary artery angiography is the gold standard, intravascular ultrasound [2] and intra-vascular imaging via computerized axial tomography are alternative options for the diagnosis and interventional treatment of CAD. This communication aims to emphasize how to proceed to identify coronary artery obstruction for the interventional treatment of patients with ACS.