Abstract Background: The management of unstable angina (UA) presents a challenge due to its subjective diagnosis and limited representation in randomized clinical trials that inform current practices. Objectives: This study aims to identify key factors associated with the indication for invasive versus non-invasive stratification in this population and to evaluate factors associated with stratification test results. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients hospitalized with UA over a consecutive 20-month period. To assess factors associated with stratification strategies, patients were […]

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning can be performed using non-contrast computed tomography to predict cardiovascular events, but has less value for risk stratification in symptomatic patients. Objective To identify and validate predictors of significant coronary obstruction (SCO) in symptomatic patients without coronary artery calcification. Methods A total of 4,258 participants were screened from the CORE64 and CORE320 studies that enrolled patients referred for invasive angiography, and from the Quanta Registry that included patients referred for coronary computed tomography […]

Abstract Background Coronary tomography angiography (CTA) has been mainly used for chest pain evaluation in low-risk patients, and few data exist regarding patients at intermediate risk. Objective To evaluate the performance of serial measures of sensitive troponin and CTA in intermediate-risk patients. Methods A total of 100 patients with chest pain, TIMI risk scores of 3 or 4, and negative troponin were prospectively included. All patients underwent CTA and those with coronary stenosis ≥ 50% were referred to invasive coronary […]

Abstract Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is considered the “gold standard” for coronary reperfusion. However, when not available, the drug-invasive strategy is an alternative method and the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used to identify reperfusion success. Objectives Our study aimed to assess ST-Segment changes in post-thrombolysis and their power to predict recanalization and using the angiographic scores TIMI-flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) as an ideal reperfusion criterion. Methods 2,215 patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing fibrinolysis [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] […]

Abstract Background According to traditional diagnosis thinking, very elderly individuals are more predisposed to develop atypical symptoms in acute coronary syndromes. Objective To test the hypothesis that very elderly individuals are more predisposed to atypical chest pain manifestations due to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods The Registry of Thoracic Pain includes patients admitted with acute chest pain. Firstly, the typicality index of this clinical manifestation was constructed: the sum of 12 symptom characteristics (8 typical and 4 atypical symptoms). […]