What could result from untreated acute coronary syndrome?

Untreated acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can lead to cardiac muscle death due to prolonged ischemia, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is insufficient. In ACS, the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, primarily caused by blockages in the coronary arteries. If these blockages are not promptly addressed, the affected part of the heart muscle will begin to die, resulting in a myocardial infarction (heart attack). This death of cardiac tissue can have severe consequences, including heart failure or death, depending on the extent and location of the damage.

Associated with ACS, the risk increases significantly if medical intervention is delayed. Early treatment can restore blood flow and minimize damage, highlighting the critical importance of rapid response to symptoms of ACS to preserve heart function and patient survival. The other potential outcomes listed do not occur in the context of untreated ACS, making the understanding of cardiac muscle death central to recognizing the severity and implications of this medical emergency.