Invasive Strategy In Patients Research Articles

TCT-368 Optimal Timing of Invasive Strategy in Patients With High-Risk Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

TCT-368 Optimal Timing of Invasive Strategy in Patients With High-Risk Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Relationship of Frontal QRS-T Angle with Coronary Flow Grade and Adverse Events Before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Electrocardiography is used in the initial risk assessment of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The frontal QRS-T angle is an electrocardiography parameter that may be affected by the alterations in the coronary blood flow. This study aimed to explore the relationship of the frontal QRS-T angle with coronary flow grade and adverse events in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. A total of 191 non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients were divided into 2 groups based on the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow level on coronary angiography before revascularization, namely TIMI 0/1 and TIMI 2/3. The frontal QRS-T angle obtained before revascularization was compared between the groups and its relationship with adverse events was examined. In-hospital all-cause mortality, repeat target lesion revascular-ization, new-onset heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation were defined as adverse events. Frontal QRS-T angle was wider in the patients with TIMI 0/1 flow compared to the patients with TIMI 2/3 flow (P < 0.001). The frontal QRS-T angle was determined to be a predictor of TIMI flow grade 0/1 before revascularization in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (odds ratio: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.30-1.75; P < 0.001). The frontal QRS-T angle was a predictor of the adverse events during hospitalization in the patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (odds ratio: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.19; P = 0.002). The cut-off values of the frontal QRS-T angle for TIMI flow grade and adverse events were determined to be 73.5°, based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Increased frontal QRS-T angle may be a useful electrocardiography parameter for determining TIMI flow grade and the need for an early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

The Role of ECG in the Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Acute Coronary Syndromes: an Old but Indispensable Tool.

Since its inception in 1902 by Willem Einthoven, the electrocardiogram (ECG) has fundamentally undergone minimal technological advances. Nevertheless, its clinical utility is critical, and it remains an essential tool to diagnose, risk stratify, and guide reperfusion and invasive strategies in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes. ECG reading can be demanding, with many healthcare professionals lacking the necessary expertise to accurately interpret them. This is exacerbated by the need to constantly revisit old dogmas pertinent to the interpretation of ECGs. Notably, ECG leads record the global electrical activity of the heart toward and away from each electrode rather than local events. The long-held central paradigm that the various ECG leads record local events underneath specific electrodes should therefore be reassessed. For example, ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 usually denote antero-apical rather than septal infarction, often a misnomer utilized by the majority of clinicians. The ECG diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is sometimes challenging and discerning it from non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is of paramount importance to implement timely acute reperfusion therapy. In fact, when qualifications for emergency reperfusion therapy are based on STEMI ECG criteria, nearly one-third of cases with acute coronary occlusion are missed. Diagnostic ST elevation in the absence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy or left bundle-branch block (LBBB) is defined by a specific set of sex-specific criteria for new ST elevation at the J point in contiguous precordial or limb leads. However, other ECG criteria need to be kept in mind. These include, but are not limited to, new or presumably new left bundle branch block (LBBB), which is often considered as an STEMI-equivalent; ST depression in two or more precordial leads (V1-V4), denoting a true inferolateral transmural myocardial infarction; and the infrequent presentation with hyperacute T-wave changes. As our understanding of the pathology of ischemic reperfusion injury has evolved and following the introduction of new imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, we need to re-assess the old dogmas pertinent to the interpretation of ECGs and update the terms and classifications.

Outcome of early versus delayed invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease not on dialysis

Because of paucity of published data, we evaluated the 2-year major clinical outcomes between early invasive (EI) and delayed invasive (DI) strategies according to the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), who underwent a successful newer-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. A total of 8241 NSTEMI patients were recruited from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR). Based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ≥90, 60-89, 30-59, and <30mL/min/1.73m2), the patients were classified into groups A (n=3498), B (n=3109), C (n=1178), and D (n=1178). Thereafter, these 4 groups were sub-classified into the EI and DI groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as all-cause death, recurrent MI (re-MI), and any repeat revascularization, were evaluated. After multivariable-adjusted and propensity score-adjusted analyses, the cumulative incidence of MACE (group A, p=0.139 and p=0.103, respectively; group B, p=0.968 and p=0.608, respectively; group C, p=0.111 and p=0.196, respectively; group D, p=0.882 and p=0.571, respectively), all-cause death, re-MI, and any repeat revascularization was similar between the EI and DI groups in the 4 different renal function groups. In the era of newer-generation DES, EI and DI strategies showed comparable major clinical outcomes in patients with NSTEMI and CKD during a 2-year follow-up period. However, to confirm these results, further randomized, large-scale, long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Management and outcome of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes in the elderly admitted to spoke hospitals with no cath-lab facility

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). However, the role of an invasive strategy in elderly patients remains controversial and may be difficult to achieve in spoke hospitals with no cath-lab facility. Purpose We aimed to analyze characteristics and outcomes of patients ≥80 years with NSTE-ACS admitted to spoke hospitals. Methods Observational retrospective study of all consecutive NSTE-ACS patients admitted to two spoke hospitals, where a service strategy (same-day transfer between spoke hospital and hub center with a cath-lab facility to perform coronary angiography) was available. Results From 2013 to 2017, 639 patients were admitted for NSTE-ACS in a spoke hospital of our provincial cardiology network; of these, 181 (28%) were ≥80 years (median 84, IQR 82–89). In the elderly conservative strategy was chosen in 76 patients (42%). When the invasive strategy was chosen, 104 patients (93%) were managed with a Service strategy with no major adverse event observed during the back transfer from the invasive center to the referring spoke center, whereas the rest of the patients (8, 7%) were transferred from the spoke hospital to the hub center and completed their hospital stay without returning to the spoke center. Of patients initially managed with the service strategy, a shift of strategy after the invasive procedure was necessary for 11 (10%) and the patients remained in the hub center. The median time to access to cath-lab was 50 hours (IQR 25–87), with 73 patients (70%) reaching the invasive procedure &amp;lt;72 h from the hospital admission and 23 (22%) &amp;lt;24 h. Conservative strategy was associated with older age, known previous CAD, clinical presentation with symptoms of LV dysfunction, lower EF, renal failure, higher GRACE score, presence of PAD, and atrial fibrillation (all p&amp;lt;0.03; Table). At 1-year follow-up, the overall survival was significantly higher in patients treated with invasive strategy compared to patients managed conservatively (94%±2 vs. 54%±6, p&amp;lt;0.001; HR: 10.4 [4.7–27.5] p&amp;lt;0.001; Figure), even after adjustment for age, serum creatinine, known previous CAD and EF (adjusted HR: 2.0 [1.0–4.0]; p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion An invasive strategy may confer a survival benefits in the elderly with NSTE-ACS. When the invasive strategy is chosen, the same-day transfer between spoke hospital and hub center with the cath-lab facility (service strategy) is safe and granted the access to cath-lab in a timely fashion even in the elderly. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1

Prognostic benefit from an early invasive strategy in patients with non ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS): evaluation of the new risk stratification in the NSTEACS European guidelines

Abstract Objectives The objective of our work is to evaluate the prognostic benefit of an early invasive strategy in patients with high-risk NSTACS according to the recommendations of the 2020 clinical practice guidelines during long-term follow-up. Methods This retrospective observational study included 6454 consecutive NSTEACS patients. We analyze the effects of early coronary angiography (&amp;lt;24 h) in patients with: (a) GRACE risk score &amp;gt;140 and (b) patients with “established NSTEMI” (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction defined by an increase in troponins) or dynamic ST-T-segment changes with a GRACE risk score &amp;lt;140. Results From 2003 to 2017, 6454 patients with “new high-risk NSTEACS” were admitted, and 6031 (93.45%) of these underwent coronary angiography. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, the long-term cumulative probability of being free of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACE differed significantly due to an early coronary interven- tion in patients with NSTEACS and GRACE &amp;gt;140 [HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.57–0.67), HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.56–0.68), HR 0.57 (IC 95% 0.53–0.61), respectively]. In patients with NSTEACS and GRACE &amp;lt;140 with established NSTEMI or ST/T-segment changes, the benefit of the early invasive strategy is only observed in the reduction of MACE [HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.56–0.68)], but not for total mortality [HR 0.96 (IC 95% 0.78–1.2)] and cardiovascular mortality [HR 0.96 (IC 95% 0.75–1.24)]. Conclusions An early invasive management is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACE in NSTEACS with high GRACE risk score. However, this benefit is less evident in the subgroup of patients with a GRACE score &amp;lt;140 with established NSTEMI or ST/T-segment changes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The effect of early invasive strategy on mortality outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy for patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Purpose To evaluate whether early invasive strategy is associated with better outcome among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of consecutive patients with NSTEMI between 2008 and 2021. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine equation. Invasively treated patients were dichotomized into early (&amp;lt;24 hours) and non-early groups. Mortality data was available for all patients from a national registry. Multivariate Cox regression models with interaction analysis were applied. Results Final study population comprised 7,107 NSTEMI patients, of whom 3,172 (45%) had eGFR &amp;lt;60 ml/min/1.73m2. 1,988 (28%) and 973 (14%) patients had eGFR under 45 and 30 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. 3,529 (50%) patients were treated invasively, among them 1837 (52%) underwent early invasive strategy. Patients in the early invasive group were younger (64 vs. 68 years, p&amp;lt;0.001) and were less likely to have comorbidities including kidney disease. During a median follow-up of 3 years (IQR 1.2–5.2), 2,552 (36%) patients died. Kaplan Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the cumulative probability of death was 50%, 15%, and 6% among patients in the conservative, non-early, and early invasive groups respectively (p Log-rank &amp;lt;0.001). Subgroup analysis of invasively managed patients showed that early invasive strategy was associated with a significant 32% reduced risk of death in a multivariate model (95% CI 0.56–0.82, p&amp;lt;0.001), but this associated benefit was modified by eGFR (p for interaction 0.045). The modification effect of CKD on the association of early invasive strategy with outcome was most pronounced among invasively treated patients with eGFR &amp;lt;45 ml/min/1.73m2, with no survival benefit for early invasive approach in these patients (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.57–1.14, p=0.221 vs. HR 0.6 95% CI 0.45–0.72, p&amp;lt;0.001; p for interaction=0.046). Conclusion Among invasively treated NSTEMI patients, the benefit of early invasive strategy is modified by CKD, and limited to those with eGFR ≥45 ml/min/1.73m2. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Importance of Risk Assessment in Timing of Invasive Coronary Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Non–ST‐Segment–Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the VERDICT Trial

BackgroundThe optimal timing of invasive examination and treatment of high‐risk patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome has not been established. We investigated the efficacy of early invasive coronary angiography compared with standard‐care invasive coronary angiography on the risk of all‐cause mortality according to the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score in a predefined subgroup analysis of the VERDICT (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography) trial.Methods and ResultsPatients with clinical suspicion of non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome with ECG changes indicating new ischemia and/or elevated troponin, in whom invasive coronary angiography was clinically indicated and deemed logistically feasible within 12 hours, were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized 1:1 to an early (≤12 hours) or standard (48–72 hours) invasive strategy. The primary outcome of the present study was all‐cause mortality. Of 2147 patients randomized in the VERDICT trial, 2092 patients had an available GRACE risk score. Of these, 1021 (48.8%) patients had a GRACE score >140. During a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, 192 (18.8%) and 54 (5.0%) patients died in the high and low GRACE score groups, respectively. The risk of death with the early invasive strategy was increased in patients with a GRACE score ≤140 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04 [95% CI, 1.16–3.59]), whereas there was a trend toward a decreased risk of death with the early invasive strategy in patients with a GRACE score >140 (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.63–1.10]) (P interaction=0.006).ConclusionsIn patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome, we found a significant interaction between timing of invasive coronary angiography and GRACE score on the risk of death. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy and safety among high‐risk and low‐risk patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome.RegistrationURL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02061891.

Prognostic benefit from an early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS): evaluation of the new risk stratification in the NSTEACS European guidelines.

The objective of our work is to evaluate the prognostic benefit of an early invasive strategy in patients with high-risk NSTACS according to the recommendations of the 2020 clinical practice guidelines during long-term follow-up. This retrospective observational study included 6454 consecutive NSTEACS patients. We analyze the effects of early coronary angiography (< 24h) in patients with: (a) GRACE risk score > 140 and (b) patients with "established NSTEMI" (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction defined by an increase in troponins) or dynamic ST-T-segment changes with a GRACE risk score < 140. From 2003 to 2017, 6454 patients with "new high-risk NSTEACS" were admitted, and 6031 (93.45%) of these underwent coronary angiography. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, the long-term cumulative probability of being free of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACE differed significantly due to an early coronary intervention in patients with NSTEACS and GRACE > 140 [HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.57-0.67), HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.56-0.68), HR 0.57 (IC 95% 0.53-0.61), respectively]. In patients with NSTEACS and GRACE < 140 with established NSTEMI or ST/T-segment changes, the benefit of the early invasive strategy is only observed in the reduction of MACE [HR 0.62 (IC 95% 0.56-0.68)], but not for total mortality [HR 0.96 (IC 95% 0.78-1.2)] and cardiovascular mortality [HR 0.96 (IC 95% 0.75-1.24)]. An early invasive management is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and MACE in NSTEACS with high GRACE risk score. However, this benefit is less evident in the subgroup of patients with a GRACE score < 140 with established NSTEMI or ST/T-segment changes.

Abstract 310: Validation of the Cardiac Arrest Hospital Prognosis (CAHP) Score in an American Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Cohort: Results From a Large Single Center Cardiac Arrest Registry

Background: The cardiac arrest hospital prognosis (CAHP) score has been shown in French studies to predict neurologic outcomes in patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), but this score has not been studied in an American cohort. We aimed to validate the CAHP score in an independent, single center, large cardiac arrest registry. Methods: Between January 2015 to June 2020 there were 925 patients who suffered OHCA and were transferred to Northeast Georgia Medical Center out of whom 450 patients survived to hospital admission. Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score was used for assessment of neurologic outcome at discharge ranging from 1-5. The primary endpoint was poor neurologic outcome defined as CPC 3-5. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of poor neurologic outcome. Results: Included patients were mostly male 57% (256 of 450) with a mean age of 52±15. STEMI was present on 11% (51 of 450) and a shockable rhythm on 35% (150 of 450) of patients. Targeted temperature management (TTM) and a mechanical compression device (MCD) were used in 72% (327 of 450) and 74% (336 of 450) respectively. 76% (344 of 450) had a CPC of 3-5 at discharge. After adjusting for covariates, including gender, BMI, serum lactate level, witnessed arrest status, STEMI on ECG, and use of MCD and TTM, the only independent predictors of a CPC of 3-5 were CAHP score (p&lt;0.001), witnessed cardiac arrest, (p=0.039, OR: 0.45) and STEMI on admission ECG (P=0.001, OR: 0.22). Compared with CAHP&lt; 150, CAHP 150-200 and CAHP&gt;200 were associated with a 12-fold (p&lt;0.00001) and 79-fold (p&lt;0.00001) increased risk of poor neurologic outcome. Area under ROC curve for CAHP score predicting neurologic outcome was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.94). Conclusion: Here we show, for the first time, in an independent, large American cardiac arrest registry that CAHP score predicts neurologic outcomes in patients with OHCA. Further research is needed to assess how this prognostication tool would help clinicians decide on early vs. delayed invasive strategy in patients with OHCA admitted to hospitals across the U.S.

Impact of chronic total occlusion recanalisation on the quality of life in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Background. Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a common finding during routine coronary angiography. Despite significant progress in the technical success rate of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention over the last decade, indications for an invasive strategy are still controversial. To date, there is limited data on the role of invasive strategy in patients with CTO in improving the quality of life (QoL).Aim. To compare the QoL changes in patients with coronary artery disease with a single-vessel coronary CTO randomised to invasive or medical strategies.Methods. The study included 140 symptomatic patients with single-vessel CTO, who were randomised to either invasive or medical strategies. The QoL was then analysed using the Seattle Quality of Life Questionnaire (SAQ-7), EQ-5D-5L and the Rose Dyspnea Scale at baseline, after 3 and 12 months.Results. In total, 140 clinical, demographic, instrumental variables were analysed. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. At baseline, the summary score of the SAQ-7 in the medical group was 63.3 ± 15.7 and in the invasive group was −66.5 ± 13.1 (p = 0.13). The severity of dyspnoea according to the Rose questionnaire in the medical and invasive groups were 1.8 ± 1.1 and 1.9 ± 1.2, respectively, (p = 0.60). By 3 months, the summary score in the invasive group was 89.02 ± 9.2 and was statistically significantly higher than in the medical group (72.3 ± 12.4, p = 0.0001). The subscales of SAQ-7 at 3 months were also statistically significantly higher in the invasive group (p = 0.0001). This statistically and clinically significant difference between the groups persisted up to 12 months. The rate of adverse cardiovascular events was comparable in the study groups to 12 months of follow-up: 12.8% (9/70) and 7.1% (5/70) in the medical and invasive strategies, respectively. The crossover rate (from the medical to the invasive group) was 11.4% (8/70).Conclusion. Our study showed that an invasive strategy should be considered as effective and safe in improving the QoL in symptomatic patients with single-vessel CTO. Received 13 May 2020. Revised 29 May 2020. Accepted 1 June 2020. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Author contributions Conception and design: A.G. Badoian, O.V. Krestyaninov Data collection and analysis: A.G. Badoian, D.A. Khelimskii, O.V. Krestyaninov Statistical analysis: A.G. Badoian, D.A. Khelimskii, R.A. Naydenov Drafting the article: A.G. Badoian, R.U. Ibragimov, D.A. Khelimskii Critical revision of the article: R.U. Ibragimov, O.V. Krestyaninov, R.A. Naydenov Final approval of the version to be published: A.G. Badoian, D.A. Khelimskii, O.V. Krestyaninov, R.U. Ibragimov, R.A. Naydenov

Antithrombotic PreTreatment and Invasive Strategies in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

In the current era, the antithrombotic treatment of patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) includes standard aspirin, and one of the potent P2Y12 inhibitors ticagrelor or prasugrel. The optimal timing of ticagrelor has not been adequately studied, while prasugrel is only recommended after coronary angiography prior to PCI. The invasive strategy, including indication and timing of angiography, depends on risk stratification and a mortality benefit has been shown in selected high-risk NSTE-ACS undergoing early (<24 h) intervention.

Frontal QRS-T angle predicts syntax score in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundEarly risk stratification based on SYNTAX score plays a crucial role to identify the need for early invasive strategy in patients with NSTEMI. The predictive role of frontal QRS-T angle [f(QRS-T)] on the atherosclerotic burden of CAD is less clear in NSTEMI patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between f(QRS-T) and SYNTAX score in NSTEMI patients. MethodsA total of consecutive 269 patients with the diagnosis of NSTEMI transferred to coronary care unit were included in the study. f(QRS-T) was calculated as the absolute value of the difference between the frontal plane QRS and T axes based on automatic report of ECG machine. Syntax score was computed using an online SYNTAX score calculator by well-experienced two cardiologists blinded to the study data. The study population was divided into two groups based on the SYNTAX score low SYNTAX score (≤23), and high SYNTAX score (>23). ResultsLeft ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.001), hemoglobin (p = 0.03) and HDL-C (p = 0.04) levels were lower in the intermediate-high SYNTAX group. Age (72.1 ± 12.5 vs. 64.6 ± 9.4 respectively; p < 0.001), LAD as infarct-related artery 30 (%65.2) vs. 50 (%29.1) respectively; (p = 0.001), f(QRS-T) (100.5 ± 55.3 vs. 65.1 ± 53.1 respectively p = 0.006), troponin I peak (p = 0.06) were higher among patients with intermediate-high Syntax score. In receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the value for f(QRS-T) to detect syntax score ≥ 23 with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 63% was 73,5° in NSTEMI patients(AUC = 0.69). Univariate logistic regression analysis identified that age, LVEF, HDL-C, hemoglobin, infarct-related artery, f(QRS-T) were significantly associated with SYNTAX score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR: 1.135, 95% CI: 1.039–1.153, p = 0.045), infarct related artery-LAD (OR: 2.897, 95% CI: 1.023–8.209, p = 0.001) and f(QRS-T) (OR: 3.587, 95% CI: 1.093–11.772, p = 0.001) were the independent predictors of SYNTAX score. ConclusionIn NSTEMI patients, f(QRS-T) has been found to be a useful decision-making tool to predict SYNTAX score to assess early invasive strategy.

Acute coronary syndromes and acute heart failure: a diagnostic dilemma and high-risk combination. A statement from the Acute Heart Failure Committee of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology.

Acute coronary syndrome is a precipitant of acute heart failure in a substantial proportion of cases, and the presence of both conditions is associated with a higher risk of short-term mortality compared to acute coronary syndrome alone. The diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the setting of acute heart failure can be challenging. Patients may present with atypical or absent chest pain, electrocardiograms can be confounded by pre-existing abnormalities, and cardiac biomarkers are frequently elevated in patients with chronic or acute heart failure, independently of acute coronary syndrome. It is important to distinguish transient or limited myocardial injury from primary myocardial infarction due to vascular events in patients presenting with acute heart failure. This paper outlines various clinical scenarios to help differentiate between these conditions and aims to provide clinicians with tools to aid in the recognition of acute coronary syndrome as a cause of acute heart failure. Interpretation of electrocardiogram and biomarker findings, and imaging techniques that may be helpful in the diagnostic work-up are described. Guidelines recommend an immediate invasive strategy for patients with acute heart failure and acute coronary syndrome, regardless of electrocardiographic or biomarker findings. Pharmacological management of patients with acute coronary syndrome and acute heart failure should follow guidelines for each of these syndromes, with priority given to time-sensitive therapies for both. Studies conducted specifically in patients with the combination of acute coronary syndrome and acute heart failure are needed to better define the management of these patients.

Optimal Timing of Intervention in NSTE-ACS Without Pre-Treatment: The EARLY Randomized Trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare a delayed and a very early invasive strategy in patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) without pre-treatment. BackgroundThe optimal delay of the invasive strategy in patients with NSTE-ACS remains debated and has never been investigated in patients not pre-treated with P2Y12–adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists. MethodsA prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Altogether, 741 patients presenting with intermediate- or high-risk NSTE-ACS intended for an invasive strategy were included. The modified intention-to-treat analysis was composed of 709 patients after 32 withdrew consent. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the delayed invasive group (DG) (n = 363) with coronary angiography (CA) performed 12 to 72 h after randomization or the very early invasive group (EG) (n = 346) with CA within 2 h. No pre-treatment with a loading dose of a P2Y12–adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonist was allowed before CA. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death and recurrent ischemic events at 1 month, as determined by a blinded adjudication committee. ResultsMost patients had high-risk NSTE-ACS in both groups (93% in the EG vs. 92.5% in the DG). The median time between randomization and CA was 0 h (interquartile range [IQR]: 0 to 1 h) in the EG group and 18 h (IQR: 11 to 23 h) in the DG. The primary endpoint rate was significantly lower in the EG (4.4% vs. 21.3% in the DG; hazard ratio: 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.11 to 0.34; p < 0.001), driven by a reduction in recurrent ischemic events (19.8% vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001). No difference was observed for cardiovascular death. ConclusionsWithout pre-treatment, a very early invasive strategy was associated with a significant reduction in ischemic events at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with intermediate- and high-risk NSTE-ACS. (Early or Delayed Revascularization for Intermediate and High-Risk Non ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes; NCT02750579)

Indications for an early invasive strategy in NSTE-ACS patients.

An early invasive strategy in patients who have acute coronary syndrome without ST-elevation (NSTE-ACS) can improve clinical outcome in high-risk subgroups. According to the current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the majority of NSTE-ACS patients are classified as “high-risk”. We propose to prioritise patients with a global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) risk score >140 over patients with isolated troponin rise or electrocardiographic changes and a GRACE risk score <140. We also acknowledge that same-day transfer for all patients at a high risk is not necessary in the Netherlands since the majority of Dutch cardiology departments are equipped with a catheterisation laboratory where diagnostic coronary angiography is routinely performed in NSTE-ACS patients. Therefore, same-day transfer should be restricted to true high-risk patients (in addition to those NSTE-ACS patients with very high-risk (VHR) criteria) in centres without coronary angiography capabilities.

Risk-adjusted early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome in Intensive Cardiac Care Units

ObjectiveCurrent guidelines recommend a risk-adjusted early invasive strategy (EIS) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). The present study assesses the application if this strategy, the conditioning factors and prognostic impact upon patients with NSTEACS admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU). DesignA prospective cohort study was carried out. SettingThe ICCUs of 8 hospitals in Catalonia (Spain). PatientsConsecutive patients with NSTEACS between October 2017 and March 2018. The risk profile was defined by the European Society of Cardiology criteria. InterventionsEIS was defined as the performance of coronary angiography within the first 6 h in patients at very high-risk or within 24 h in high-risk patients. Outcome variablesMortality or readmission at 6 months. ResultsA total of 629 patients were included (mean age 66.6 years), of whom 225 (35.9%) were at very high risk, and 392 (62.6%) at high risk. Most patients (96.2%) underwent an invasive strategy. EIS was performed in 284 patients (45.6%), especially younger patients with fewer comorbidities. These patients had a shorter ICCU and hospital stay, as well as a lesser incidence of ACS, revascularization and death or readmission at 6 months. After adjusting for confounders, the association between EIS and death or readmission at 6 months remained significant (hazard ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.97; p = 0.035). ConclusionsThe EIS was performed in a minority of NSTEACS admitted to ICCU, being associated with better outcomes.

Early versus delayed invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome and concomitant congestive heart failure

Although there are guidelines that recommend an early invasive strategy in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and concomitant congestive heart failure (CHF), optimal timing of the invasive strategy remains controversial. Among 2045 patients who were admitted owing to NSTE-ACS or CHF, 300 presented with NSTE-ACS and concomitant CHF. Of the 300 patients, we enrolled 160 patients for whom coronary angiography (CAG) during their hospital stay was planned at the time of admission; 64 of these patients were classified into the early invasive group (<24h) and 96 were classified to the delayed invasive group (≥24h). We evaluated the primary outcome which was defined as a composite of cardiac mortality, life-threatening arrhythmia, and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). The median time between presentation and CAG was 2h in the early invasive group and 240h in the delayed group. During follow-up, the primary outcome was significantly lower in the early invasive group [hazard ratio (HR), 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-0.87; p=0.01]. After the adjustment of confounding factors, the primary outcome was significantly less frequent (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.78; p=0.004) in the early invasive group compared to the delayed invasive group. The early invasive strategy was associated with a lower risk of the composite primary outcome in the long-term follow-up of patients with NSTE-ACS and concomitant CHF.

Early Invasive Strategy in Patients over 75 Years with Acute Coronary Syndrome. A Single Center Study

to assess the clinical status, comorbidities, complications, in-hospital mortality and its structure in dependence of age and type of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in case of early invasive strategy of ACS management. we included in this retrospective study data of all patients (n=1353) with ACS subjected to emergency and urgent myocardial revascularization in High Medical Technologies Center (Kaliningrad, Russia) in 2014-2016. Age of 984 patients was &lt;75 (group 1) and of 369 &gt;75 years (group 2). Mean age was 60±8.6 and 80.1±4.2 years, in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Anamnesis of group 2 patients was substantially burdened by myocardial infarction and stroke, they significantly more often had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), congestive heart failure, valve disorders, and atrial fibrillation. Patients of group 2 more frequently had severe manifestations of acute heart failure (AHF) and cardiogenic shock. Portions of patients with Killip class III were 5.9 and 11.4%, IV -2.1% and 9.1% in 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 patients compared with those of group 1 had higher GRACE score and higher bleeding risk. In-hospital all-cause mortality was 3.1 and 10%, ST elevation myocardial infarction mortality - 2.6 and 9.5% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction + unstable angina mortality (0.5%) did not differ between groups. Mortality from AHF (2 and 6.5%) and percutaneous coronary intervention complications (stent thrombosis and no-reflow) (0.5 and 2.4%) was significantly higher in group 2. AHF mortality was similar in patients with preserved and mid-range EF of both groups, but among those with reduced EF it was significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 (7.3 vs. 18.6%, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in rates of gastro-intestinal and major bleedings. Clinical course of ACS was more severe in patients aged &gt;75 years compared with patients aged &lt;75 years. Early invasive strategy was effective irrespective of patient's age and ACS type. Rate of fatal outcomes due to complications of stenting and AHF were higher among very elderly patients. AHF more often caused death in very elderly patients with reduced EF. The rest of the structure of complications and mortality was similar in patients of different ages.

TCT-24 Impact of Bleeding on Outcome and Predictive Value of Bleeding Scores in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock - a Substudy of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial

Early invasive strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock led to an overall reduced mortality. On the downside, invasive treatment and accompanying antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy are associated with an increased bleeding risk. Prospective data