What causes Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Acute Coronary Syndrome is caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, which triggers blood clot formation that blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. These plaques develop over years from cholesterol buildup, inflammation, and damage to the artery walls. When a plaque ruptures, it exposes material that causes platelets to stick together and form a clot, suddenly cutting off oxygen supply to part of the heart.

What is the best test for Acute Coronary Syndrome?

The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test is the most important blood test for monitoring heart stress and complications in Acute Coronary Syndrome because it measures hormone levels that rise when the heart muscle is damaged and struggling to pump blood effectively. Elevated BNP levels help doctors assess the severity of heart damage, predict complications like heart failure, and monitor how well your heart is responding to treatment. While cardiac troponin tests are used to diagnose initial heart damage, BNP is essential for ongoing assessment of heart function and stress during recovery.

When should I get tested for Acute Coronary Syndrome?

You should get tested immediately if you experience chest pain or pressure, especially if it spreads to your jaw, neck, arms, or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or sudden fatigue. Anyone with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or previous heart attacks should have regular BNP monitoring as recommended by their doctor. Testing is also important if you notice worsening symptoms during recovery from a heart event or if you have risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, or family history of heart disease.

What are the symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Common symptoms include severe chest pain or pressure that feels like squeezing or heaviness, often lasting more than a few minutes. You might experience pain radiating to your shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back, along with shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness, and sudden overwhelming fatigue. Some people, especially women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may have atypical symptoms like indigestion, unusual fatigue, or mild discomfort rather than classic chest pain.

Who is at risk for Acute Coronary Syndrome?

People with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and those who smoke are at significantly increased risk for Acute Coronary Syndrome. Other risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, family history of heart disease, age over 45 for men and over 55 for women, and chronic stress. Previous heart attacks, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease also dramatically increase your risk of developing ACS.

What happens if Acute Coronary Syndrome is left untreated?

Untreated Acute Coronary Syndrome can lead to severe heart muscle damage, heart failure, dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities, and death. The longer the heart muscle goes without adequate blood flow, the more tissue dies, resulting in permanent damage that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Complications include cardiogenic shock, rupture of the heart muscle, stroke from blood clots, and life-threatening arrhythmias that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.

Can Acute Coronary Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring Acute Coronary Syndrome, though they are used alongside EKGs and imaging studies. Cardiac troponin tests detect proteins released when heart muscle is damaged, confirming a heart attack has occurred. The BNP blood test measures heart stress and helps predict complications and monitor recovery. These blood tests provide critical information about the extent of heart damage and how well treatment is working.

How is Acute Coronary Syndrome treated?

Treatment focuses on restoring blood flow to the heart immediately through medications like aspirin, blood thinners, nitroglycerin, and beta-blockers. Many patients require emergency procedures such as angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery to open blocked arteries. Long-term treatment includes medications to prevent future events, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and lifestyle changes including diet modification, regular exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation.

How can I prevent Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Prevention focuses on controlling risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical management. Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes per week, and eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and sodium. Manage medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes with medication as prescribed, reduce stress through relaxation techniques, and have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor heart health.

What can I do at home to support heart health after Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Focus on cardiac rehabilitation exercises as recommended by your doctor, starting slowly and gradually increasing activity levels. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and olive oil, while avoiding processed foods, excess salt, and saturated fats. Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed, monitor your symptoms daily, and track your blood pressure and weight regularly. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga, get adequate sleep, and attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring and blood tests.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

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Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Blood Test

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked or severely reduced. It is caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, leading to blood clot formation that obstructs blood flow. The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test is the most important blood test for assessing heart stress and monitoring complications in ACS.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com