Understanding the many ways of clinical presentation enables the treating physician to order the correct diagnostic tests. These determine the next steps that need to be taken, the urgency with which one approaches a patient and eventually determining the long term prognosis and treatment.

The introduction of pharmacological agents specifically addressing the underlying pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque rupture is very important in the early management. There are quite a few oral and parenteral drugs, which the treating physician need to be familiar with.

Coronary angiography is often the cornerstone of management, following which the appropriate revascularization strategy can be advised. Sophisticated intra-coronary imaging techniques are often used to guide revascularization and aid in the percutaneous treatment (i.e. stent placement). Non Invasive imaging using ECHO, nuclear, MRI and CT scans are invaluable to determine post syndrome prognosis and to determine the need for further revascularization, advanced heart failure therapy or primary prevention of sudden death.

This course will discuss acute coronary syndromes and will comprise of presentations of modules by cardiologists who are experts in their fields, addressing the issues briefly outlined above. Each module will consist of a topic with subheadings. Cases examples will be presented to emphasize clinical relevance of the discussion. There will be questions on the topic with answers provided later.