South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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This guideline describes the recognition and management of unstable angina (UA) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). These are two of the three components of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). These forms of ACS most often arise from erosion or rupture of coronary atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus formation causing incomplete coronary occlusion. ⋯ All patients with ACS should receive secondary preventive treatment. It is imperative that they stop smoking. Dietary modification, physical rehabilitation, long-term low-dose aspirin use, b-blockade for those diagnosed with myocardial infarction, tight control of blood pressure, cholesterol lowering with a statin, and treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor should be prescribed.