[Effectiveness and adequacy of management of acute coronary syndromes]

A rational utilization of resources represents a key issue in modern treatment of cardiac patients. The aim of our study was to highlight a few essential aspects for an efficient and appropriate management of patients with an acute coronary syndrome. Clinical evaluation of the patient's risk (i.e. clinical assessment of the probability of developing a cardiac event), incremental value of the chosen test for risk stratification, value of a strategy in modifying outcome and direct determinants of medical cost of the strategy are selected as the main aspects to be considered in order to optimize management of these patients.