Key result
Chest pain observation unit stress testing yields ~10% positive results, largely in multi-risk patients.
Why the study?
Patients at low risk for coronary artery disease can be safely treated in the chest pain observation unit, but differences in risk profiles of patients with positive and negative workup needed identification.
Observational (n=243)
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INTRODUCTION: Patients at low risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) can be safely treated in the chest pain observation unit (CPOU). The goal of the study is to identify the differences in risk profiles of patients with positive and negative workup. METHODS: The study is a retrospective CPOU chart review conducted over 6 months. Data collected included gender, age, race, history of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of CAD, smoking, test results, and disposition. SPSS-12 program was used to analyze the differences in patient's characteristics. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-three patients were admitted to CPOU, 86% completed their workup, and 82% were discharged. Twenty-four (10%) patients had positive stress test, of whom 13 (54%) had > or =3 risk factors. CONCLUSION: It is practical to admit patients to the CPOU. The study has shown that "ideal" patients for CPOU are those with < or =2 risk factors for CAD.
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Purim-Shem-Tov et al. (2007) conducted an observational in Low risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) (n=243). Chest pain observation unit (CPOU) admission was evaluated on Positive stress test. Among 243 patients admitted to a chest pain observation unit, 10% had a positive stress test, of whom 54% had 3 or more risk factors for coronary artery disease.
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