HEART Score Research Articles

Abstract 13433: Outcomes of Chest Pain Discharge Decisions Following Launch of a Heart Score Clinical Decision Support Alert

Background: The use of a bioclinical risk score such as the HEART score is recommended for the evaluation of pts presenting to the ED with chest pain (CP). Prior studies have demonstrated that CP pts with HEART score < 3 and “ruled out” with cardiac troponin series are low risk for 30d death/MI (MACE). There is limited data regarding whether the addition of the HEART score to a validated high sensitivity troponin accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP) has beneficial effects on CP patient discharge decisions in the ED. Research Question: Did the addition of an EHR-embedded automated HEART score clinical decision support alert (CDSA) have a beneficial effect on discharge decision making of ED CP pts in Geisinger Health System? Methods: Retrospective analysis of 30day MACE following ED visit for CP for the 6mo period prior to and 10mo following the launch of a HEART score CDSA (11/2021-3/2023). Discharges were stratified using a previously validated accelerated hsTnT ADP into those that ruled in (ADP+) or ruled out (ADP-). Comparison of MACE in pre- vs. post-CDSA periods was performed using chi square analysis. Results: MACE stratified by study period and ADP results are summarized in the Table. There were no significant differences in 30-day MACE pre- vs. post-CDSA, both overall and in ADP+ and ADP- subgroups. In contrast, the presence or absence of a high risk (>3) HEART score in isolation did significantly predict the risk of MACE [11/2360 (0.47%) for HEART score < 3 vs 36/966 (4.04%) for HEART score >3, p<0.001]. Conclusions: Addition of an EHR-embedded HEART Score CDSA did not have a significant effect on 30d outcomes following ED provider discharge decisions. While the HEART score by itself did stratify risk of 30d MACE, our study suggests the additive benefit of the HS CDSA to clinical decision making based on an established hsTnT ADP unclear.

Abstract 14785: HEART Score Utilization - Revisited

Introduction/Background: Chest pain accounts for approximately 7.6 million visits a year to the Emergency Department (ED) in the US. With use of the HEART score, a validated instrument helps to risk stratify patients with chest pain into low, medium, and high-risk groups. Low risk patients have a 1.6% chance of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) within 30 days and are safe discharges from the ED without further testing. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that a targeted intervention to educate providers to use the HEART score will lead to decreased testing of low-risk patients without increase in MACE. Methods: Targeted interventions: (1) we provided teaching sessions on how to use the HEART score and (2) HEART score template was embedded into admitting notes on the unit EMR. Via retrospective chart review, investigators calculated a HEART score for patients who presented with chest pain and were admitted to LUMC. We calculated the rate of further cardiac testing and length of stay (LOS) for each risk stratified group, before and after our intervention. Chi-square tests are used to evaluate for association. Results/Data: Pre-intervention (n=259), only 30.5% patients had a documented HEART score. 46.7% were low risk, of which 30.5% underwent inpatient stress test or further cardiac testing. Low-risk patients that underwent further workup had increased LOS (p=0.0048). Post intervention (n=79), 58.1% patients had a documented HEART score, a statistically significant increase (p<0.001). Of those considered low risk, fewer had further cardiac testing ordered (p<0.001). No patient with a low-risk HEART score experienced a MACE within 30 days. Conclusions: Provider education is an effective method to increase HEART score utilization and reduce inpatient cardiac testing of low-risk patients with chest pain. Our study demonstrated an increase in documentation of the HEART score and a reduction of further testing of low-risk patient groups without worse outcomes.

Abstract 13592: Addition of the Heart Score to a hsTnT Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol: Effect on Negative Predictive Value at Different hsTnT Thresholds

Background: The majority of pts with CP and low to modest elevations of high sensitivity troponin (hsTn) are safe for discharge from the ED; thus improvement of the negative predictive value (NPV) of the CP accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP) can have significant impact on ED throughput. Prior studies have examined the role of adding bioclinical risk scores such as the HEART score (HS) to a hsTn ADP. In general these studies suggest the HS does not add to prediction of 30d MACE for pts with low peak troponin levels, i.e. less that the 99 th percentile. Little is known about the effect of the HS on hsTn ADP for higher values of troponin. Research question: How would the addition of the HS affect the NPV of a hsTnT ADP across a range of modest hsTnT elevations? Methods: Retrospective analysis of pts presenting with CP and assessed with a validated hsTnT ADP as well as an EHR-embedded HS decision tool from 5/2022-3/2023. The hsTnT ADP was derived from the ESC guidelines and pts were excluded if peak hsTnT was > 52ng/l (the cutoff for “rule-in”). For calculation of NPV for MACE at 30 days post-discharge pts were grouped by peak hsTnT as <6ng/l, <12ng/l, and <52ng/l. HS was grouped as < 3 (low risk) or >3 (intermediate-high risk). Comparison of NPV results was performed using chi square analysis. Results: Summarized in the Table. The addition of the HS did not significantly change the NPV for 30d MACE for CP pts with peak hsTnT <6ng/l or <12ng/l. In contrast, NPV in pts with peak hsTnT <52ng/l was improved significantly by addition of the HS. Conclusion: The additive value of the HS to a hsTnT ADP for identifying pts safe for ED discharge depends on the range of troponin measurement- HS did not change NPV at very low levels (ie from < limit of quantitation – approx. 99 th percentile) but did improve the NPV at modest elevations between the 99 th percentile and the cutoff for “rule-in” by our ADP. This findings should be considered when designing hsTn CP evaluation protocols that incorporate HS into the algorithm.

Abstract 12552: Unmasking Unstable Angina: The Crucial Influence of Chest Pain Perception in Hospital Management Strategies

Introduction: Managing unstable angina (UA) poses a significant challenge due to its subjective diagnosis and underrepresentation in pivotal clinical trials that have greatly influenced current practices. The aim of this study is to determine the key variables that impact the management of UA in a referral cardiology hospital. Hypothesis: In addition to prognostic scores, other factors such as the nature of chest pain may have a relevant role in the management of UA. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients consecutive hospitalized with a diagnosis of UA from July 16, 2018 to February 28, 2020. The primary objective was to analyze the factors associated with the utilization of either an invasive or non-invasive strategy. The secondary objective sought to identify the factors associated with the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemia, as determined by the results of complementary tests. Between-group comparisons were performed using multiple logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance set at a 5% level. Results: A total of 729 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 62.9 years, with a male predominance (64.6%). Factors significantly associated with an invasive strategy were smoking (p = 0.001), type of chest pain (p < 0.001), angina "in crescendo" (p = 0.006), TIMI risk (p = 0.006), and HEART score (p = 0.011). In the multivariate analysis, current smokers (OR 2.23, CI 95% 1.13-4.8) and type A chest pain (OR 3.39, CI 95% 1.93-6.66) were independently associated with the invasive strategy. Regarding the presence of obstructive CAD or ischemia, male gender (p = 0.032), exertional chest pain (p = 0.037), Diamond-Forrester (p = 0.026) and TIMI risk (p = 0.001) showed significant associations. In the multivariate analysis, the type of chest pain (type B chest pain: OR 0.6, CI 95% 0.38-0.93, p = 0.026) and presence of previous CAD (OR 1.42, CI 95% 1.01-2.0, p = 0.048) were independently associated with obstructive CAD or ischemia. Conclusion: Chest pain type is not only instrumental in diagnosing UA but also critical in shaping the suitable treatment approach. Our study emphasizes the significance of integrating pain traits with guidelines-endorsed scoring systems for optimal management.

Abstract 16613: Study of Modified HEART Score and HEART Pathway as Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) in Patients Presenting With Non ST Elevation- Acute Coronary Syndrome (NST-ACS)

Introduction: Among the various scores studied in literature, the modified HEART score and HEART pathway were found to have high discriminatory power of predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in Non ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) patients in various international studies. This warrants need for evaluation of these scores for better management of patients in hectic emergency departments of Indian healthcare system. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between January 2021 and May 2022 in a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi, India. Modified HEART score was calculated based on history, ECG, age, risk factors and highly sensitive troponin I (hsTrop I) values for 60 patients. Collected serum samples of hsTrop I at 0 and 3 hours were measured using ELISA kits. As per the score, patients in low risk group were discharged safely and intermediate and high risk groups were assessed with the help of stress testing and coronary angiography and managed accordingly. The occurrence of MACE was assessed at 30 days from presentation to healthcare facility. Results: The study showed that proportion of patients with MACE was significantly higher in high risk group (82.14%) as compared to low (0%) and intermediate risk group (20.83%) (p value <0.001). Modified HEART score was the best predictor of MACE at cut off point of >6 with 88.1% chances of correctly predicting MACE. Negative predictive value of HEART pathway was found to be 100% which enabled safe disposition of low risk group patients. Conclusions: Hence, when modified HEART score and HEART pathway were used together, it allowed efficient use of resources and prediction of MACE in NSTEACS. This was the first study done on Indian population where modified HEART score and HEART pathway were used simultaneously to predict the occurence of MACE.

126 Prevalence of Right Sided Heart Failure in Angus Influenced and Beef on Dairy Fattening Feedlot Cattle

Abstract Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF) exists in feedlot cattle at low to moderate elevations, but previous studies focused solely on beef cattle. The economic advantage of breeding beef sires to dairy dams results in an increase in the number of beef on dairy (DXB) crossed cattle in the feedlot system, though not much is known on the comparative prevalence of BCHF in DXB compared with beef cattle breeds. The inclusion of a new breeding program for dairy producers leads to another potential source of variability (i.e., dairy influenced genetics) for heart disease research in the feedlot sector. Heart failure in the feedlot is typically known as Feedlot Heart Disease (FHD) and has been reported to result in unfavorable carcass and growth performance damaging quality and efficiency throughout the lifetime of cattle. The unknown prevalence of heart failure in DXB cattle may be a problem for producers since little is known about which breeds are at greater risk. The severity of FHD for both beef and DXB cattle was determined by individually grading hearts at harvest using a 1 to 5 grading system corresponding to the stage of heart remodeling with a score of 1 (normal heart) and greater scores indicating increased remodeling. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of heart remodeling in both an Angus influenced group of beef cattle and a sample of DXB cattle. Heart scores were collected on an Angus influenced group raised in the panhandle of Texas (1,103m) and totaled 1,634 animals (Grade 1: 347; Grade 2: 848; Grade 3: 371; Grade 4: 68; Grade 5: 0). Heart scores were collected on a DXB group raised in western Kansas (846 m) and totaled 2,328 animals (Grade 1: 913; Grade 2: 1,162; Grade 3: 225; Grade 4: 27; Grade 5: 1). Proportions of moderate to severe heart remodeling were 0.27 and 0.11 for Angus influenced and DXB, respectively. In conclusion, preliminary research on heart remodeling in both samples indicates a greater proportion of cattle experiencing heart remodeling in beef breeds versus the DXB cattle, although further investigation is needed to make conclusions about the consistency of heart remodeling and breed effects.

Predictors of major adverse cardiac events among patients with chest pain and low HEART score in the emergency department

AimFor patients who present to the emergency departments (ED) with undifferentiated chest pain, the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) may be underestimated in low-HEART score patients. We aimed to identify characteristics of patients who were classified as low risk by HEART score but subsequently developed MACE at 6 weeks. MethodsWe studied a multiethnic cohort of patients who presented with chest pain arousing suspicion of acute coronary syndrome to EDs in the Netherlands and Singapore. Patients were risk-stratified using HEART score and followed up for MACE at 6 weeks. Risk factors of developing MACE despite low HEART scores (scores 0–3) were identified using logistic and Cox regression models. ResultsAmong 1376 (39.8%) patients with low HEART scores, 63 (4.6%) developed MACE at 6 weeks. More males (53/806, 6.6%) than females (10/570, 2.8%) with low HEART score developed MACE. There was no difference in outcomes between ethnic groups. Among low-HEART score patients with 2 points for history, 21% developed MACE. Among low-HEART score patients with 1 point for troponin, 50% developed MACE, while 100% of those with 2 points for troponin developed MACE. After adjusting for HEART score and potential confounders, male sex was independently associated with increased odds (OR 4.12, 95%CI 2.14–8.78) and hazards (HR 3.93, 95%CI 1.98–7.79) of developing MACE despite low HEART score. ConclusionMale sex, highly suspicious history and elevated troponin were disproportionately associated with MACE. These characteristics should prompt clinicians to consider further investigation before discharge.

Role of Cardiac Risk Scores in Clinical Use to Predict Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Acute coronary syndromes and ischemic stroke have similar risk factors. Risk scores help to identify disease severity in both diseases. We aimed to evaluate if HEART (History, ECG, Age, Risk factors, and Troponin) score could predict re-hospitalization, recurrent cardiac/cerebrovascular events risk, and mortality within 1-year follow-up in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. Patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in our tertiary center between 2019 and 2021 were included in this retrospective study. CHA2DS2-VASc and HEART scores on admission were calculated. In-hospital, 1-month, and 1-year mortalities, as well as re-hospitalization due to recurrent ischemic (cardiac/cerebral), were defined as major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and occurrence of MACCE was accepted as the primary endpoint of the study. Comparative statistical and regression analyses were obtained. A total of 297 patients were included. The mortality rate for 30 days was 7.4% and 1 year was 20.5%. HEART and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were found independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of MACCE. Patients who experienced MACCE had higher HEART and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Meanwhile, HEART score had better prognostic accuracy than CHA2DS2-VASc score when a cutoff value of 3.5 was set, which is associated with 84.7% sensitivity and 75.2% specificity in the prediction of MACCE. HEART score is effective in determining re-hospitalization and recurrent cerebral ischemic event risk as well as mortality within 30 days and 1 year in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. Thus, concomitant use of HEART and CHA2DS2-VASc scores may provide better characterization of worse prognosis in ischemic stroke patients with high sensitivity and specificity.

Kinesiophobia and Associated Factors in Patients With Myocardial Infarction.

Kinesiophobia is a well-known barrier to positive clinical outcomes among patients with various diseases, but there remain few comprehensive studies of kinesiophobia among patients with myocardial infarction (MI). In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the presence of kinesiophobia and its relationship with clinical outcomes among 42 patients with MI who completed the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Swedish Version for Heart (TSK-SV Heart) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. The participants' mean TSK-SV Heart score was 39.24 (SD = 6.65), and 71.4% of these patients reported a high level of kinesiophobia. The TSK-SV Heart score demonstrated a strong correlation with the IPAQ-SF, 6MWT walking distance, and mMRC score (p < .001), and a moderate correlation with the HADS, CCI, and MacNew Heart Disease HRQoL (p < .05). Patients with a high level of kinesiophobia had lower IPAQ-SF, 6MWT walking distance, and HRQoL and higher mMRC, CCI, and HADS scores than patients with low levels of kinesiophobia (p < .05). Kinesiophobia was common and represented a considerable risk factor for physical-psychosocial dysfunctions in these patients with MI. To maintain functional independence and to increase physical activity level, clinicians should consider kinesiophobia from early to late-stage disease and should add a treatment focus that seeks to eliminate kinesiophobia in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

380 Comparison of the heart, grace, and timi scores to predict major adverse cardiac events from chest pain in a spanish healthcare region

380 Comparison of the heart, grace, and timi scores to predict major adverse cardiac events from chest pain in a spanish healthcare region

Methods of the PivotaL triAl of the Atellica VTLi point of care emergencY dePartment high sensitivity troponin evalUationS

BackgroundThe Atellica® VTLi point-of-care (POC) High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin-I (hs-cTnI) assay is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Our primary objective is to assess its diagnostic performance in patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MethodsThis prospective observational study will enrol ∼1500 patients at ∼20 U.S. Emergency Departments. After informed consent, adults (>21 years of age) with suspected ACS, and no prior enrollment in this study, will provide a fingerstick and venous blood sample within 2 h of ED presentation, >2 to ≤4 h, and >4 to ≤9 h (max. blood draw = 60 mL). HEART and EDACS scores will be prospectively documented. Patients without the first blood draw may be enrolled if the second draw was obtained. Capillary and venous whole blood will undergo Atellica VTLi assay testing, with remaining venous sample processed to plasma and run. All results will be blinded to the clinical care team. Site operators will undergo a 3-day familiarization period. Quality control testing will be performed daily. At 30 ± 3 days, patient mortality status, major adverse cardiac events, and rehospitalizations will be determined. A clinical endpoint adjudication committee, blinded to hs-cTnI VTLi result, will define the final diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values will describe the assay performance. ResultsWe expect study completion within 114 weeks of enrollment of the first patient. ConclusionsIt is anticipated that the Atellica VTLi hs-cTnI assay validation study will define a performance equivalent to lab-based hs-cTnI, with results within ∼8 min at the point of care.

Comparison of heart, grace and TIMI scores to predict major adverse cardiac events from chest pain in a Spanish health care region

Acute non-traumatic chest pain (ANTCP) is the second cause of consultation in the Emergency department (ED). About 70% of all Acute Myocardial Infarctions present as non persistent ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) in the electrocardiogram. Our aim was to compare whether the HEART risk score is more effective than the GRACE and TIMI scores for the diagnosis and prognosis of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) at six weeks in patients with ANTCP and NSTE-ACS. A prospective cohort study was conducted with patients with ANTCP that attended an ED and a Primary Care Emergency Center (PCEC) from April 2018 to December 2020. The primary outcome was MACE at six weeks. Diagnostic performance was calculated for each scale as the Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), and predictive values (PV). Qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and continuous variables were compared using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test. We adjusted a logistic regression for risk groups, age, and gender to determine the effect of the HEART, GRACE, and TIMI scores on MACE. The degree of agreement (kappa index) was calculated in the categorical classification of patients according to the three risk scales. Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed for each scale and were compared using partial likelihood ratio tests for non-nested models. From a sample of 317 patients with ANTCP, 14.82% had MACE at six weeks. The AUC was 0.743 (95% CI 0.67–0.81) for the HEART score, 0.717 (95% CI 0.64–0.79) for the TIMI score, and 0.649 (95% CI 0.561–0.738) for the GRACE score. The HEART scale identified low-risk patients with a higher SE and negative PV than the GRACE and TIMI scores. The HEART scale was better than the GRACE and TIMI scores at diagnosing and predicting MACE at six weeks in patients with ANTCP and probable NSTE-ACS. It was also a reliable tool for risk stratification in low-risk patients. Its application is feasible in EDs and PCECs, avoiding the need for complementary tests and their associated costs without compromising patient health.

Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines for Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Department: Exploring the Role of Social, Healthcare-system, and Clinical Determinants.

The aim of this study was to assess adherence to the European Society of Cardiology 2020 non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) guidelines, identify factors affecting this compliance, and explore the link between adherence and adverse cardiac outcomes. This prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary-level academic hospital between January 2022 and January 2023. Patients diagnosed with NST-ACS in the emergency department (ED) were included. The primary outcome measured was the rate of adherence to the guidelines, and secondary outcomes were factors affecting this adherence in the ED and its association with 28-day adverse cardiac outcomes. Of the 298 patients included, guideline adherence was achieved in 32.2% in the ED. The highest compliance was observed in performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) within 10 minutes (99.7%), while the lowest was found for obtaining additional right and posterior ECG leads when ongoing ischemia was suspected (42.3%). Factors associated with better adherence included the experience level of the treating physician, the presence of cardiac-quality chest pain, initial ischemic ECG findings, higher initial troponin levels, and advanced history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin score and Charlson comorbidity index. Complete guideline adherence over 28 days was achieved in 19.1% of patients and was found to be significantly associated with lower rates of adverse cardiac outcomes. Adherence to NST-ACS guidelines was generally low but was associated with improved patient outcomes. This study highlighted the importance of various factors associated with guideline adherence. Future research should explore further barriers to guideline adherence and develop targeted interventions.

The Role of HEART Score in Predicting Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients with Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome Presenting to the Emergency Department

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome is very challenging &amp; sometimes very confusing to diagnose. The HEART score was designed to be a prognostic prediction model, using information from the patient’s history, ECG, age, risk factors, and troponin level at the initial emergency department. This study was conducted to assess the role of HEART score in predicting major adverse cardiac events in patients with possible acute coronary syndrome presenting to the emergency department. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among 453 patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at the Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2023 to June 2023 to assess the role of HEART score in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with possible acute coronary syndrome. The study population was divided into two groups depending on HEART score. MACE was observed between these two groups. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 53.45±11.23 years where 77.7% of them were male. 55% had smoking habit, 36% had history of Diabetes Mellitus, and 38% had history of HTN. Among the respondents 62.9 % was improved. 11.03 % respondents developed heart failure, 14.34% recurrent ischemic pain, 7.9% of recurrent MI, 2.8 % cardiogenic shock, and 0.88 % cases of death. HEART score as predictor was statistically significant (X2=69.7, df=1, p&lt;0.05), indicated to distinguish between major adverse cardiac events and no major cardiac events. Conclusion: Almost one third of respondents with high HEART score had heart failure and recurrent ischemic pain. There was statistically significant difference in incidence of major adverse cardiac events between high and low HEART score groups. The HEART score can be used to predict risk for major adverse cardiac events effectively in patients with suspected ACS. This can help us to determine needs for urgent treatment and hospitalization among the patients who present with suspected ACS. Cardiovasc j 2023; 16(1): 9-16

E-HEART score: A novel scoring system for undifferentiated chest pain in the emergency department.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. As there is an increase in the global burden of ischemic heart disease, there are multiple scoring systems established in the emergency department (ED) to risk stratify and manage acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with chest pain. The objective of this study was to integrate point-of-care echo into the existing history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin (HEART) score and evaluate a novel scoring system, the echo HEART (E-HEART) score in risk stratification of patients presenting with undifferentiated chest pain to the ED. The E-HEART Score was also compared with existing traditional scoring systems for risk-stratifying acute chest pain. A diagnostic accuracy study involving 250 patients with chest pain at the ED of a single tertiary care teaching hospital in India was conducted. The emergency physicians assessed the E-HEART score after integrating their point-of-care echo/focused echo findings into the conventional HEART score on presentation. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 4 weeks of initial presentation. The accuracy of the E-HEART score was compared with other conventional risk stratification scoring systems such as the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI), history, electrocardiogram, age, and risk factors, Troponin Only Manchester ACS (T-MACS), and HEART scores. A total of 250 patients with a median age of 53 years (42.25-63.00) were part of the study. Low E-HEART scores (values 0-3) were calculated in 121 patients with no occurrence of MACE in this category. Eighty-one patients with moderate E-HEART scores (4-6) were found to have 30.9% MACE. In 48 patients with high E-HEART scores (values 7-11), MACE occurred in 97.9%. The area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of E-HEART score is 0.992 (95% confidence interval: 0.98-0.99), which is significantly higher than AUROC values for HEART (0.978), TIMI (0.889), T-MACS (0.959), and HEAR (0.861), respectively (P < 0.0001). At a cutoff of E-HEART score >6, it accurately predicted ACS with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 99% with a diagnostic accuracy of 97%. The E-HEART score gives the clinician a quick and accurate forecast of outcomes in undifferentiated chest pain presenting to the ED. Low E-HEART scores (0-3) have an extremely low probability for short-term MACE and may aid in faster disposition from the ED. The elevated risk of MACE in patients with high E-HEART scores (7-11) may facilitate more aggressive workup measures and avoid disposition errors. E-HEART is an easily adaptable scoring system with improved accuracy compared to conventional scoring systems.

Multicenter analysis to assess risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing high-sensitivity troponin testing in the emergency department.

Our objective was to evaluate 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in emergency department (ED) patients with normal high-sensitivity troponins (hs-trop). We hypothesized that MACE rates would be<1% in patients with (1) two normal troponins regardless of change in troponin (delta) and (2) index hs-trop below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) regardless of the institution modified HEART score. This was a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of adult patients who presented to 1 of 18 EDs between July 2020 and April 2021 with acute coronary syndrome as defined by an institutional-modified HEART score completed by their treating physician or midlevel, no evidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and an index or serial gender-adjusted hs-trop within normal limits. The primary outcome was MACE within 30 days of index ED encounter. A detailed case review was then performed for those patients experiencing a MACE. Of the 9084 patients who had single or serial normal troponins, 31 (0.34%; confidence interval [CI] 0.23%-0.48%) experienced MACE. Of the 6140 patients with 2 normal hs-trop and a delta (change in troponin)<4, 27 patients (0.44%; CI 0.29%-0.64%) experienced MACE. Only 1 of the 69 patients with 2 normal hs-trop results but delta (change in troponin) ≥ 4 (1.45%; CI 0.04%-7.81%) suffered MACE. This patient was classified as non-low risk by our institutional HEART score. Of 7498 patients with an index hs-trop<LOQ, 14 (0.19%; CI 0.10%-0.31%) experienced MACE, with 57% (N=8) deemed non-low risk by HEART score. Patients with 2 normal hs-trop values in the ED are unlikely to suffer 30-day MACE. Although it remains unclear whether patients with delta (change in troponin) ≥4 despite normal troponins will have a 30-day MACE, this situation is rare. Additionally, a single index hs-trop<6ng/L demonstrated a low risk for 30-day MACE independent of the institutional HEART score.

Letter to the Editor: Don't Admit Low HEART Score Patients

Letter to the Editor: Don't Admit Low HEART Score Patients

Phenotyping congestion in acute heart failure by renal flow and right heart to pulmonary circulation coupling.

In acute heart failure (AHF), kidney congestion is basic to treatment and prognosis. Its aetiology is manifold and quite unexplored in details mainly regarding the right heart to pulmonary circulation (Pc) coupling. We investigated the right heart to kidney interrelationship by Doppler renal flow pattern, right atrial dynamics, and right ventricular (RV) function to Pc coupling in AHF. In 119 AHF patients, echocardiographic and renal Doppler data were analysed. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed to define the determinants of a quantitative parameter of renal congestion, the renal venous stasis index (RVSI). When grouped according to different intra-renal venous flow patterns, no differences were observed in haemodynamics and baseline renal function. Nonetheless, patients with renal Doppler evidence of congestion showed a reduced RV function [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), S'-wave velocity, and fractional area change], impaired RV to Pc coupling [TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio], and right atrial peak longitudinal strain (RAPLS), along with signs of volume overload [increased inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters and estimated right atrial pressure]. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses confirmed TAPSE/PASP, RAPLS, and IVC diameter as independent determinants of the RVSI. RVSI was the only variable predicting the composite outcome (cardiac death, heart failure hospitalization, and haemodialysis). An easy-to-use echo-derived right heart score of four variables provided good accuracy in identifying kidney congestion. In AHF, the renal venous flow pattern combined with a right heart study phenotypes congestion and clinical evolution. Keys to renal flow disruption are an impaired right atrial dynamics and RV-Pc uncoupling. Integration of four right heart echocardiographic variables may be an effective tool for scoring the renal congestive phenotype in AHF.

Early emergency department discharge for intermediate heart score patients presenting for chest pain.

The use of the HEART score to risk stratify patients for short-term major adverse cardiac events in the emergency department (ED) setting is well established. Although discharge to home for low-risk HEART score patients is widely accepted as safe practice, there are limited outcomes data on moderate-risk HEART score patients discharged to home. We investigated the safety of discharging moderate-risk HEART score patients to home from the ED with established early cardiology follow-up. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients presenting to the ED with chest pain from April 2020 through December 2020. Patients were evaluated in the ED and underwent serial conventional troponin testing and electrocardiogram (ECG). Clinicians calculated a HEART score and employed shared decision-making with moderate-risk patients (score 4-6), offering hospital admission versus discharge home with a formalized process for rapid cardiology follow-up (within 2 business days). We assessed the frequency of acute myocardial infarction or death at 30 days and before cardiology follow-up. During our study period, 2939 patient encounters were screened for chest pain. Of these, 333 of 547 eligible moderate-risk HEART score patients were referred for rapid follow-up. The median time to follow-up appointment was 2.9 business days (interquartile range 1.3, 6.5), and 264 (79%) of patients kept their follow-up appointment. One patient (0.3%) suffered death within 30 days, before cardiology follow-up. There were no myocardial infarctions. These results suggest that moderate-risk HEART score patients may be considered for discharge from the ED with rapid cardiology follow-up. Formalizing processes to facilitate these early evaluations may represent a viable alternative to hospital admission, without diminishing patient outcomes.

Diagnostic Impact of Hs-CRP and IL-6 for Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients Admitted to the ED with Chest Pain: Added Value to the HEART Score?

To investigate whether hs-CRP and IL-6 provide additional diagnostic value beyond that achieved by the HEART score in patients with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to the emergency department (ED). This was a post hoc analysis using data from the RACING-MI study. Baseline data, including hs-CRP and IL-6 levels, were analyzed using the plasma from the biobank. A total of 818 patients with chest pain suggestive of ACS were included in this analysis. Of these, 98 were diagnosed with ACS (12%). Logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of ACS development in patients with chest pain. hs-CRP levels >2 mg/L were observed in 50% of all ACS cases. IL-6 levels >1.3 pg/mL were observed in 71% of all ACS cases. hs-CRP had a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 51% for the diagnosis of ACS, whereas IL-6 had a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 29%. The diagnostic likelihood ratios for ACS was 1.0 for hs-CRP>2 mg/L and IL-6 > 1.3 pg/mL, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, male gender, and ongoing smoking were associated with ACS in patients with acute chest pain. No association was found between IL-6 or hs-CRP level and ACS. This was observed for both IL-6 and hs-CRP, whether assessed on a continuous scale or using prespecified cut-off values. Among the 818 patients admitted to the ED with chest pain suggestive of ACS, neither hs-CRP nor IL-6 provided an independent added diagnostic value. Our results suggest that inflammatory markers have limited diagnostic value in detecting patients with ACS in the ED.