Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) in secondary care settings in Kerala, India: Impact of a quality improvement programme

Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) consists of mainly acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (Non-STEMI) and unstable angina (UA). Despite the advances in detection, treatment and management of ACS, it continuous to be a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity attributed to Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), even in developing countries. Development of ACS is recognized as an acute fatal event in approximately one third of the patients. Additionally, almost half of these deaths occur within one hour of the event and usually the reaction time is very short. Prompt and early detection of ACS and immediate initiation of therapy are therefore warranted in reduction in mortality and morbidity due to ACS.