Acute coronary syndromes: risk stratification.

Acute coronary syndromes: risk stratification and initial management.

For patients who have acute coronary syndromes (ACS), risk stratification is key to initiating appropriate treatment. For ST-segment elevation MI, immediate reperfusion therapy is needed, and thus rapid identification of ST elevation on the ECG is critical. Then, having a standardized protocol for rapid treatment- with either primary percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis - is criti...

C reactive protein for risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes? Verdict: unproven.

Although C reactive protein is intimately involved with the pathogenic mechanisms that drive acute coronary syndromes, there is no evidence that it is helpful for identifying patient groups who might benefit from particular treatment strategies

Risk stratification and therapeutic decision making in acute coronary syndromes.

Risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes.

In acute coronary syndromes, risk stratification is essential, particularly in those without ST-elevation, and is based upon clinical and biological markers. Among them, recent and repeated anginal attacks, ST-segment modifications on admission electrocardiogram, and increased markers of myonecrosis (particularly increased troponine levels) are strong predictors of untoward outcome. These varia...

Invasive management of the acute coronary syndromes

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent a large segment of patients with coronary artery disease. This article discusses the algorithm of risk stratification in ACS and the evidence for selecting the invasive strategy in the management of ACS. Antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy used in the management of ACS is also reviewed. Individualization of the dual antiplatelet therapy and of the an...