In acute coronary syndrome, what causes the pain experienced by the client?

The pain experienced by a client in acute coronary syndrome is primarily caused by heart muscle ischemia. This condition occurs when there is a lack of blood flow and, consequently, oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, usually due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. Ischemia leads to metabolic distress in the cardiac cells, triggering pain signals which are perceived as angina or chest pain. This pain is often described as a squeeze, pressure, or tightness in the chest and can radiate to other areas, such as the arms, back, neck, or jaw.

Effective management of acute coronary syndrome involves restoring blood flow to the heart muscle, which alleviates ischemia and, in turn, reduces pain. Recognizing that the pain originates from ischemic heart tissue highlights the critical nature of prompt medical intervention in such cases to prevent further damage to the heart.