Hyperglycemia and Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Hyperglycemia's Impact on ACS

The association between hyperglycemia and increased mortality associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been studied and affirmed. Although more studies are needed to explore how managing this hyperglycemia can affect ACS mortality, the need to educate regarding current data is urgent so that it can be clinically applied. Reviews, randomized controlled trials, and other studies were obtained by means of electronic search strategies, such as Medline and Cochrane Library, as well as hand selection. Sources selected were limited to those that discussed ACS and hyperglycemia, and specific emphasis was placed on sources that focused on ACS and hyperglycemia in conjunction with one another. Selected studies were then assessed for quality and relevance. Clear correlations between mean and persistent glucose levels and ACS mortality are found. Persistent glucose levels offer a better model to predict ACS mortality than on-admission glucose levels. However, findings concerning the effect on ACS-related mortality of controlling glucose levels have been conflicting.