Acute Coronary Syndrome
Read this short guide and learn about acute coronary syndrome ICD codes you can use.
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Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What are acute coronary syndrome ICD codes can I use?
If you're having trouble finding acute coronary syndrome ICD codes, it might be because they are listed under its previous name, ischemic heart disease. Acute coronary syndrome encompasses various types, each with its own set of ICD codes. So, don't be surprised if you come across different codes tied to different types of acute coronary syndrome.
Here are the acute coronary syndrome-related ICD-10 codes you can use:
- I20.0 - Unstable angina
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have unstable angina, a type of acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by unexpected chest pain and pressure, even when the patient rests. It’s considered a warning sign for a heart attack.
- I21.01 - ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left main coronary artery
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have an ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), a type of acute coronary syndrome. It is a severe heart attack. This occurs when blood flow to the heart is fully blocked for a long time. In the context of this ICD code, it involves the left main coronary artery.
- I21.02 - ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left anterior descending coronary artery
This is similar to Item 2, but this time, the STEMI involves the left anterior descending coronary artery.
- I21.09 - ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary artery of anterior wall
This is similar to Item 2, but this time, the STEMI involves a different coronary artery of the anterior wall.
- I25.41 - Coronary artery aneurysm
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have had an aneurysm in a coronary artery. An artery aneurysm is a swelling in the artery that can pop. If it pops, it will result in a hemorrhage.
- I24.1 - Dressler's syndrome
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have Dressler’s Syndrome, which is a type of heart condition characterized by inflammation of the sac around the outside of the heart.
Are these acute coronary syndrome ICD codes billable?
Yes. All the aforementioned acute coronary syndrome-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.
Clinical information for acute coronary syndrome:
As previously mentioned, Acute Coronary Syndrome was formerly known as Ischemic Heart Disease. When we refer to Acute Coronary Syndrome, we are encompassing three types of coronary heart disease under one term.
The three types are:
- Unstable Angina, which is a sudden pain or pressure in the chest, even while resting
- NSTEMI, short for Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction, is a heart attack that can be detected through blood tests. Coronary arteries that characterize this heart attack are not fully blocked or were blocked for a short time.
- STEMI, which is short for ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction, a severe heart attack caused by the complete blockage of blood flow to the heart for a long time. This can be detected through blood tests and EKG (electrocardiogram).
The following people are at risk of developing ACS:
- People who are overweight/obese
- Smokers
- Cocaine users
- Those who lack physical activity
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Diabetics
- Those who have high blood cholesterol
- Those who have high blood pressure, especially constantly
- Those with unhealthy diets
Synonyms include:
- Chronic ischemic heart disease
- Impending infarction
- Preinfarction syndrome
- Progressive angina
- Refractory angina
- Arteriospasm
- Coronary artery spasm
- Acute myocardial infarction of anterior wall
- Acute myocardial infarction of anterolateral wall
- Delayed postmyocardial infarction pericarditis
- Post-infarction pericarditis
- Postmyocardial infarction pericardial effusion
Commonly asked questions
Yes. But we won’t cover those because they are invalid and unbillable. Please only use valid codes.
They do so by conducting blood tests, EKGs, coronary angiograms, and echocardiograms.
Healthcare professionals will provide clot-busting medicine, anticoagulants, nitroglycerin, pain relievers, and beta-blockers.
