FOCUS on Acute Coronary Syndromes

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a continuum with different forms of presentation, clinical contexts, electrocardiographic parameters and biomarkers. However, most of the diagnostic and intervention strategies are similar in all of them. While invasive management is recommended in all ACS cases (with few exceptions), its timing varies according to the risk of the patient. Antithrombotic therapy is a cornerstone to managing ACS. While there is a default strategy for all patients, some alternatives are available according to the bleeding and ischaemic risk of the patients during the year following the index event. Long-term interventions are key to improving the long-term prognosis of patients with ACS. State-of-the-art management of ACS must include patients in decision making throughout the process.