Complications
Patients are at risk of systolic heart failure either by irreversible loss of myocardium after myocardial infarction or by transient dysfunction in hypoperfused tissues at times of increased activity.
Occurs as a result of unstable atherosclerotic plaque with acute thrombosis and closure of the affected coronary artery. Close adherence to secondary prevention measures reduces the likelihood of this complication.
Patients with new severe chest pain or accelerating chest pain should seek emergency evaluation for this possible complication.[24]
Sudden cardiac death is the rapid cessation of cardiac activity and haemodynamic collapse with little or no symptomatic prodrome. When reversed by defibrillation and other resuscitative measures it may also be called sudden cardiac arrest. Coronary disease can lead to sudden cardiac death through acute ischaemia and infarction or through arrhythmia related to scar or other damage from ischaemic events.
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