New ESC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent
1University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, Basel, Switzerland. chmueller@uhbs.ch
Insights
The 2011 ESC guidelines introduce rapid rule-out protocols for acute coronary syndromes using high-sensitive cardiac troponin assays. This approach aids physicians in managing patients with acute chest pain effectively.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) require timely diagnosis and management.
- The 2011 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines address ACS management without persistent ST-segment elevation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the novel recommendations of a rapid rule-out protocol for ACS.
- To discuss the implications of using high-sensitive cardiac troponin assays in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of the 2011 ESC guidelines for ACS management.
- Analysis of the rapid rule-out protocol (0h and 3h) using high-sensitive cardiac troponin assays.
Main Results:
- The guidelines recommend a rapid rule-out protocol for ACS when high-sensitive cardiac troponin assays are available.
- The reliability of patient recall for chest pain onset and guideline conservatism are points of discussion.
Conclusions:
- The novel recommendations support treatment principles over individualized details in ACS management.
- Adoption of these guideline principles can assist physicians in daily clinical work for acute chest pain patients.
Abstract:
This review highlights an important novel aspect of the 2011 ESC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation: the recommendations of a rapid rule-out protocol (0h and 3h) when high-sensitive cardiac troponin assays are available. The controversy relates to the scientific question how reliably patients can recall the onset or maximum of acute chest pain and the general question how conservative clinical practice guidelines should be. Several important arguments support the novel recommendations, particularly when accepting that guidelines should highlight treatment principles rather than individualised details. I hope that many physicians caring for patients with acute chest pain will actually take the time to read the new 2011 ESC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation. Certainly, application of the principles highlighted in there will help them in their daily clinical work.
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