The updated ACC/AHA guidelines provide an evidence-based approach for managing UA/NSTEMI, addressing the >1.4 million annual US hospitalizations and ongoing gaps in guideline-indicated therapy.
This document provides an updated evidence-based approach for the practical implementation of ACC/AHA guidelines for managing UA/NSTEMI in the emergency department and beyond.
In the United States each year, >5.3 million patients present to emergency departments with chest discomfort and related symptoms. Ultimately, >1.4 million individuals are hospitalized for unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. For emergency physicians and cardiologists alike, these patients represent an enormous challenge to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat. This update of the 2002 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Unstable Angina and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (UA/NSTEMI) provides an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients in the emergency department, in-hospital, and after hospital discharge. Despite publication of the guidelines several years ago, many patients with UA/NSTEMI still do not receive guidelines-indicated therapy.
Gibler et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Unstable Angina/Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (UA/NSTEMI). ACC/AHA Guidelines for UA/NSTEMI was evaluated. The updated ACC/AHA guidelines provide an evidence-based approach for managing UA/NSTEMI, addressing the >1.4 million annual US hospitalizations and ongoing gaps in guideline-indicated therapy.