Risk stratification in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes with special focus on recent guidelines

Patients with unstable angina or non-ST segment elevation (non-Q-wave) myoc ardial infarction are a heterogeneous group with respect to their risk of d eveloping clinically significant adverse events such as subsequent myocardi al infarction and death. Recent guidelines promote risk stratification of t hese patients, targeting high-risk patients for maximal antithrombotic and antiischemic therapy and low-risk patients for early discharge. We reviewed current and future modalities for risk stratification of patients and the predictive value of these methods in context with available pharmacologic a gents. Unfortunately, most of the data identifying a particular pharmacolog ic regimen as beneficial in high-risk patients are retrospectively derived from large trials. Until prospective studies that use markers to guide ther apy are available, clinicians should be familiar with the use of these risk markers and their application to the role of a given management strategy, including pharmacologic therapy.