What is the incidence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and aortic dissection in the general population?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 5, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

The incidence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is significantly higher than that of aortic dissection, with approximately 3-4 cases per 1,000 people in developed countries, whereas aortic dissection occurs in about 2-3 cases per 100,000 people per year, as reported in studies such as 1 and 1.

Incidence of ACS and Aortic Dissection

The incidence of ACS and aortic dissection varies significantly in the general population.

  • ACS occurs much more frequently, with an estimated annual incidence of approximately 3-4 cases per 1,000 people in developed countries, translating to about 1.4 million hospitalizations annually in the United States alone, as noted in 1.
  • In contrast, aortic dissection is relatively rare, occurring in approximately 2-3 cases per 100,000 people per year, which equates to roughly 10,000 cases annually in the United States, as reported in 1 and 1.

Demographics and Risk Factors

  • Men tend to have higher rates of ACS than women, and incidence increases substantially with age, as seen in 1.
  • Aortic dissection most commonly affects men in their 60s and 70s, particularly those with uncontrolled hypertension, as noted in 1 and 1.

Mortality Rates

  • The mortality rate for untreated aortic dissection is extremely high, with about 25-30% of patients dying within 24 hours and 50% within 48 hours if left untreated, highlighting the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment, as reported in 1, 1, and 1.
  • Both conditions represent medical emergencies requiring immediate attention, though ACS is encountered much more frequently in clinical practice, as discussed in 1 and 1.

From the Research

Incidence of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

  • The incidence of ACS is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but it is mentioned that ACS is a major cause of hospitalization and death 2, 3.
  • ACS encompasses a spectrum of cardiovascular emergencies, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction, and requires immediate and effective management to reduce morbidity and mortality 4.
  • According to 3, ACS is responsible for more than 1 million hospital admissions in the United States annually.

Incidence of Aortic Dissection

  • There is no mention of the incidence of aortic dissection in the provided studies.
  • The studies primarily focus on ACS, its management, and treatment, with no discussion on aortic dissection 2, 5, 6, 4, 3.

Comparison of Incidence

  • Since there is no data available on the incidence of aortic dissection in the provided studies, a comparison between the incidence of ACS and aortic dissection cannot be made.
  • Further research would be necessary to determine the incidence of aortic dissection and compare it to the incidence of ACS 2, 5, 6, 4, 3.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

P2Y12 inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes: which and when?

The National medical journal of India, 2013

Research

Antithrombotic Therapy for Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Journal of neuroendovascular therapy, 2025

Research

Meta-Analysis Comparing P2Y12 Inhibitors in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The American journal of cardiology, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.