Esc Guidlines

European Heart Journal (2011) 32, 29993054
doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehr236
ESC GUIDELINES
ESC Guidelines for the management of acute

coronary syndromes in patients presenting
without persistent ST-segment elevation
The Task Force for the management of acute coronary syndromes
(ACS) in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment
elevation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines: Jeroen J. Bax (Chairperson) (The Netherlands), Angelo Auricchio
(Switzerland), Helmut Baumgartner (Germany), Claudio Ceconi (Italy), Veronica Dean (France), Christi Deaton
(UK), Robert Fagard (Belgium), Christian Funck-Brentano (France), David Hasdai (Israel), Arno Hoes (The
Netherlands), Juhani Knuuti (Finland), Philippe Kolh (Belgium), Theresa McDonagh (UK), Cyril Moulin (France),
eljko Reiner (Croatia), Udo Sechtem
Don Poldermans (The Netherlands), Bogdan A. Popescu (Romania), Z
(Germany), Per Anton Sirnes (Norway), Adam Torbicki (Poland), Alec Vahanian (France), Stephan Windecker
(Switzerland).
Document Reviewers: Stephan Windecker (CPG Review Coordinator) (Switzerland), Stephan Achenbach
(Germany), Lina Badimon (Spain), Michel Bertrand (France), Hans Erik Btker (Denmark), Jean-Philippe Collet
(France), Filippo Crea, (Italy), Nicolas Danchin (France), Erling Falk (Denmark), John Goudevenos (Greece),
Dietrich Gulba (Germany), Rainer Hambrecht (Germany), Joerg Herrmann (USA), Adnan Kastrati (Germany),
Keld Kjeldsen (Denmark), Steen Dalby Kristensen (Denmark), Patrizio Lancellotti (Belgium), Julinda Mehilli
(Germany), Bela Merkely (Hungary), Gilles Montalescot (France), Franz-Josef Neumann (Germany), Ludwig Neyses
(UK), Joep Perk (Sweden), Marco Roffi (Switzerland), Francesco Romeo (Italy), Mikhail Ruda (Russia), Eva Swahn
(Sweden), Marco Valgimigli (Italy), Christiaan JM Vrints (Belgium), Petr Widimsky (Czech Republic).
* Corresponding authors. Christian W. Hamm, Kerckhoff Heart and Thorax Center, Benekestr. 2 8, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany. Tel: +49 6032 996 2202, Fax: +49 6032 996
2298, E-mail: c.hamm@kerckhoff-klinik.de. Jean-Pierre Bassand, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Jean Minjoz, Boulevard Fleming, 25000 Besancon, France. Tel: +33
381 668 539, Fax: +33 381 668 582, E-mail: jpbassan@univ-fcomte.fr
ESC entities having participated in the development of this document:

Associations: Heart Failure Association, European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation.
Working Groups: Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, Working Group on Thrombosis, Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery, Working Group on
Acute Cardiac Care, Working Group on Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology, Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation.
Councils: Council on Cardiovascular Imaging, Council for Cardiology Practice.
The content of these European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines has been published for personal and educational use only. No commercial use is authorized. No part of the ESC
Guidelines may be translated or reproduced in any form without written permission from the ESC. Permission can be obtained upon submission of a written request to Oxford University
Press, the publisher of the European Heart Journal and the party authorized to handle such permissions on behalf of the ESC.
Disclaimer. The ESC Guidelines represent the views of the ESC and were arrived at after careful consideration of the available evidence at the time they were written. Health
professionals are encouraged to take them fully into account when exercising their clinical judgement. The guidelines do not, however, override the individual responsibility of health
professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of the individual patients, in consultation with that patient, and, where appropriate and necessary, the patients
guardian or carer. It is also the health professionals responsibility to verify the rules and regulations applicable to drugs and devices at the time of prescription.
& The European Society of Cardiology 2011. All rights reserved. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com
Downloaded from http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/ by guest on August 18, 2016
Authors/Task Force Members: Christian W. Hamm (Chairperson) (Germany)*,

Jean-Pierre Bassand (Co-Chairperson)*, (France), Stefan Agewall (Norway),
Jeroen Bax (The Netherlands), Eric Boersma (The Netherlands), Hector Bueno
(Spain), Pio Caso (Italy), Dariusz Dudek (Poland), Stephan Gielen (Germany),
Kurt Huber (Austria), Magnus Ohman (USA), Mark C. Petrie (UK), Frank Sonntag
(Germany), Miguel Sousa Uva (Portugal), Robert F. Storey (UK), William Wijns
(Belgium), Doron Zahger (Israel).
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ESC Guidelines
The disclosure forms of the authors and reviewers are available on the ESC website www.escardio.org/guidelines
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Keywords
Acute coronary syndrome Angioplasty Aspirin Bivalirudin Bypass surgery Chest pain unit
Clopidogrel Diabetes Enoxaparin European Society of Cardiology Fondaparinux Guidelines Heparin Non-ST-elevation
myocardial infarction Prasugrel Stent Ticagrelor Troponin Unstable angina
Table of Contents
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6.
7.
8.
9.
5.5. Special populations and conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3030

5.5.1. The elderly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3030
5.5.2. Gender issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3030
5.5.3. Diabetes mellitus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3031
5.5.4. Chronic kidney disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3033
5.5.5. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure 3034
5.5.6. Extreme body weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3035
5.5.7. Non-obstructive coronary artery disease . . . . . . .3035
5.5.8. Anaemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3035
5.5.9. Bleeding and transfusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3036
5.5.10. Thrombocytopenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3038
5.6. Long-term management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3038
Performance measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3040
Management strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3041
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3044
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3044
Abbreviations and acronyms

ABOARD
ACC
ACE
ACS
ACT
ACUITY
AF
AHA
APPRAISE
aPTT
ARB
ARC
ATLAS
BARI-2D
BMS
BNP
CABG
CAD
CI
Angioplasty to Blunt the Rise of Troponin in Acute

Coronary Syndromes Randomized for an Immediate
or Delayed Intervention
American College of Cardiology
angiotensin-converting enzyme
acute coronary syndromes
activated clotting time
Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention
Triage strategY
atrial fibrillation
American Heart Association
Apixaban for Prevention of Acute Ischemic Events
activated partial thromboplastin time
angiotensin receptor blocker
Academic Research Consortium
Anti-Xa Therapy to Lower Cardiovascular Events in
Addition to Aspirin With or Without Thienopyridine
Therapy in Subjects with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation
2 Diabetes
bare-metal stent
brain natriuretic peptide
coronary bypass graft
coronary artery disease
confidence interval
Abbreviations and acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1. Preamble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1. Epidemiology and natural history . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2. Pathophysiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1. Clinical presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2. Diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1. Physical examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2. Electrocardiogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.3. Biomarkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.4. Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3. Differential diagnoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Prognosis assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1. Clinical risk assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2. Electrocardiogram indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3. Biomarkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.4. Risk scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5. Long-term risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1. Anti-ischaemic agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2. Antiplatelet agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.1. Aspirin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.2. P2Y12 receptor inhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.2.1. Clopidogrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.2.2. Prasugrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.2.3. Ticagrelor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.2.4. Withholding P2Y12 inhibitors for surgery . . . . .
5.2.2.5. Withdrawal of chronic dual antiplatelet therapy
5.2.3. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors . . . . . . .
5.3. Anticoagulants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3.1. Indirect inhibitors of the coagulation cascade . . .
5.3.1.1. Fondaparinux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3.1.2. Low molecular weight heparins . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3.1.3. Unfractionated heparin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3.2. Direct thrombin inhibitors (bivalirudin) . . . . . . .
5.3.3. Anticoagulants under clinical investigation . . . . . .
5.3.4. Combination of anticoagulation and antiplatelet
treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4. Coronary revascularization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4.1. Invasive versus conservative approach . . . . . . . .
5.4.2. Timing of angiography and intervention . . . . . . .
5.4.3. Percutaneous coronary intervention versus
coronary artery bypass surgery . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4.4. Coronary artery bypass surgery . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4.5. Percutaneous coronary intervention technique . .
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ESC Guidelines
CK
CKD
CK-MB
COX
CMR
COMMIT
LVEF
MB
MDRD
MERLIN
left ventricular ejection fraction

myocardial band
Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
Metabolic Efficiency With Ranolazine for Less
Ischemia in Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary
Syndromes
MI
myocardial infarction
MINAP
Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
NNT
numbers needed to treat
NSAID
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
NSTE-ACS non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes
NSTEMI
non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
NT-proBNP N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide
OASIS
Organization to Assess Strategies for Ischaemic
Syndromes
OPTIMA
Optimal Timing of PCI in Unstable Angina
OR
odds ratio
PCI
percutaneous coronary intervention
PENTUA
Pentasaccharide in Unstable Angina
PLATO
PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes
PURSUIT
Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable Angina:
Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy
RCT
randomized controlled trial
RE-DEEM
Randomized Dabigatran Etexilate Dose Finding
Study In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
(ACS) Post Index Event With Additional Risk
Factors For Cardiovascular Complications Also
Receiving Aspirin And Clopidogrel
REPLACE-2 Randomized Evaluation of PCI Linking Angiomax to
reduced Clinical Events
RIKS-HIA
Register of Information and Knowledge about
Swedish Heart Intensive care Admissions
RITA
Research Group in Instability in Coronary Artery
Disease trial
RR
relative risk
RRR
relative risk reduction
STE-ACS
ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome
STEMI
ST-elevation myocardial infarction
SYNERGY
Superior Yield of the New Strategy of Enoxaparin,
Revascularization and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
trial
SYNTAX
SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery
TACTICS
Treat angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of
Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy
TARGET
Do Tirofiban and ReoPro Give Similar Efficacy
Outcomes Trial
TIMACS
Timing of Intervention in Patients with Acute
Coronary Syndromes
TIMI
Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction
TRITON
TRial to Assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by Optimizing Platelet InhibitioN with
PrasugrelThrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction
UFH
unfractionated heparin
VKA
vitamin K antagonist
VTE
venous thrombo-embolism
creatinine kinase
chronic kidney disease
creatinine kinase myocardial band
cyclo-oxygenase
cardiac magnetic resonance
Clopidogrel and Metoprolol in Myocardial Infarction
Trial
CPG
Committee for Practice Guidelines
CrCl
creatinine clearance
CRP
C-reactive protein
CRUSADE
Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina
patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early
implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines
CT
computed tomography
CURE
Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent
Recurrent Events
CURRENT Clopidogrel Optimal Loading Dose Usage to
Reduce Recurrent Events
CYP
cytochrome P450
DAPT
dual (oral) antiplatelet therapy
DAVIT
Danish Study Group on Verapamil in Myocardial
Infarction Trial
DES
drug-eluting stent
DTI
direct thrombin inhibitor
DIGAMI
Diabetes, Insulin Glucose Infusion in Acute
Myocardial Infarction
EARLY-ACS Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in
Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary
Syndrome
ECG
electrocardiogram
eGFR
estimated glomerular filtration rate
ELISA
Early or Late Intervention in unStable Angina
ESC
European Society of Cardiology
Factor Xa
activated factor X
FFR
fractional flow reserve
FRISC
Fragmin during Instability in Coronary Artery Disease
GP IIb/IIIa
glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
GRACE
Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events
HINT
Holland Interuniversity Nifedipine/Metoprolol Trial
HIT
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
HORIZONS Harmonizing Outcomes with RevasculariZatiON
and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction
HR
hazard ratio
hsCRP
high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
ICTUS
Invasive vs. Conservative Treatment in Unstable
coronary Syndromes
INR
international normalized ratio
INTERACT Integrilin and Enoxaparin Randomized Assessment
of Acute Coronary Syndrome Treatment
ISAR-COOL Intracoronary Stenting With Antithrombotic
Regimen Cooling Off
ISARIntracoronary stenting and Antithrombotic RegimenREACT
Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment
i.v.
intravenous
LDL-C
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
LMWH
low molecular weight heparin
LV
left ventricular
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ESC Guidelines
Table 1
Classes of recommendations
Classes of
recommendations
Class I
Evidence and/or general agreement

that a given treatment or procedure
is beneficial, useful, effective.
Class II
Conflicting evidence and/or a

divergence of opinion about the
usefulness/efficacy of the given
treatment or procedure.
Suggested wording to use

Is recommended/is
indicated
Weight of evidence/opinion is in
favour of usefulness/efficacy.
Should be considered
Class IIb
Usefulness/efficacy is less well

established by evidence/opinion.
May be considered
Evidence or general agreement that

the given treatment or procedure
is not useful/effective, and in some
cases may be harmful.
Is not recommended
Levels of evidence
Level of
Evidence A
Data derived from multiple randomized

clinical trials
or meta-analyses.
Level of
Evidence B
Data derived from a single randomized

clinical trial
or large non-randomized studies.
Level of
Evidence C
Consensus of opinion of the experts and/

or small studies, retrospective studies,
registries.
1. Preamble
Guidelines summarize and evaluate all available evidence, at the time
of the writing process, on a particular issue with the aim of assisting
physicians in selecting the best management strategies for an individual patient, with a given condition, taking into account the impact on
outcome, as well as the risk benefit ratio of particular diagnostic or
therapeutic means. Guidelines are no substitutes but are complements for textbooks and cover the European Society of Cardiology
(ESC) Core Curriculum topics. Guidelines and recommendations
should help the physicians to make decisions in their daily practice.
However, the final decisions concerning an individual patient must
be made by the responsible physician(s).
A great number of Guidelines have been issued in recent years by
the ESC as well as by other societies and organizations. Because of
the impact on clinical practice, quality criteria for the development
of guidelines have been established in order to make all decisions
transparent to the user. The recommendations for formulating
and issuing ESC Guidelines can be found on the ESC website
(http://www.escardio.org/guidelines-surveys/esc-guidelines/about/
Pages/rules-writing.aspx). ESC Guidelines represent the official position of the ESC on a given topic and are regularly updated.
Members of this Task Force were selected by the ESC to represent professionals involved with the medical care of patients
with this pathology. Selected experts in the field undertook a comprehensive review of the published evidence for diagnosis, management, and/or prevention of a given condition according to ESC
Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG) policy. A critical
evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was performed
including assessment of the risk benefit ratio. Estimates of expected
health outcomes for larger populations were included, where data
exist. The level of evidence and the strength of recommendation
of particular treatment options were weighed and graded according
to pre-defined scales, as outlined in Tables 1 and 2.
The experts of the writing and reviewing panels filled in declarations of interest forms of all relationships which might be perceived
as real or potential sources of conflicts of interest. These forms
were compiled into one file and can be found on the ESC
website (http://www.escardio.org/guidelines). Any changes in
declarations of interest that arise during the writing period must
be notified to the ESC and updated. The Task Force received its
entire financial support from the ESC without any involvement
from the healthcare industry.
The ESC CPG supervises and coordinates the preparation of
new Guidelines produced by Task Forces, expert groups, or consensus panels. The Committee is also responsible for the endorsement process of these Guidelines. The ESC Guidelines undergo
extensive review by the CPG and external experts. After appropriate revisions, it is approved by all of the experts involved in the
Task Force. The finalized document is approved by the CPG for
publication in the European Heart Journal.
The task of developing ESC Guidelines covers not only the
integration of the most recent research, but also the creation of educational tools and implementation programmes for the
Class IIa
Class III
Table 2
Definition
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ESC Guidelines
2. Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death in
industrialized countries and are expected to become so in emerging countries by 2020.1 Among these, coronary artery disease
(CAD) is the most prevalent manifestation and is associated with
high mortality and morbidity. The clinical presentations of CAD
include silent ischaemia, stable angina pectoris, unstable angina,
myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and sudden death. Patients
with chest pain represent a very substantial proportion of all acute
medical hospitalizations in Europe. Distinguishing patients with
acute coronary syndromes (ACS) within the very large proportion
with suspected cardiac pain are a diagnostic challenge, especially in
individuals without clear symptoms or electrocardiographic features. Despite modern treatment, the rates of death, MI, and readmission of patients with ACS remain high.
It is well established that ACS in their different clinical presentations share a widely common pathophysiological substrate. Pathological, imaging, and biological observations have demonstrated
that atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion, with differing
degrees of superimposed thrombosis and distal embolization,
Admission
Chest Pain
Working
diagnosis
Acute Coronary Syndrome
ECG
persistent
ST-elevation
Bio-chemistry
Diagnosis
STEMI
ST/T abnormalities
normal or
undetermined
ECG
troponin
rise/fall
troponin
normal
NSTEMI
Unstable
Angina
Figure 1 The spectrum of ACS. ECG electrocardiogram; NSTEMI non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction; STEMI ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
recommendations. To implement the guidelines, condensed pocket

guidelines versions, summary slides, booklets with essential messages, and an electronic version for digital applications (smartphones,
etc.) are produced. These versions are abridged and, thus, if needed,
one should always refer to the full text version, which is freely available on the ESC website. The National Societies of the ESC are
encouraged to endorse, translate, and implement the ESC Guidelines. Implementation programmes are needed because it has
been shown that the outcome of disease may be favourably influenced by the thorough application of clinical recommendations.
Surveys and registries are needed to verify that real-life daily
practice is in keeping with what is recommended in the guidelines,
thus completing the loop between clinical research, writing of
guidelines, and implementing them in clinical practice.
The guidelines do not, however, override the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate decisions in the
circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with that
patient, and, where appropriate and necessary, the patients guardian or carer. It is also the health professionals responsibility to
verify the rules and regulations applicable to drugs and devices at
the time of prescription.
3004
resulting in myocardial underperfusion, form the basic pathophysiological mechanisms in most conditions of ACS.
As this may be a life-threatening state of atherothrombotic
disease, criteria for risk stratification have been developed to
allow the clinician to make timely decisions on pharmacological
management as well as coronary revascularization strategies, tailored to the individual patient. The leading symptom that initiates
the diagnostic and therapeutic cascade is chest pain, but the classification of patients is based on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Two
categories of patients may be encountered:
1.
The management of patients with STEMI is addressed in the ESC

Guidelines for management of STE-ACS.2 The present document
deals with the management of patients with suspected
NSTE-ACS, replacing the document first published in 2000 and
updated in 2002 and 2007.3 It includes all scientific evidence fully
published as peer-reviewed papers, before May 2011.
The class A level of evidence in this document is based primarily
on randomized, double-blind studies of adequate size using contemporary adjunctive treatment and endpoints that are not
subject to observer bias, such as death and MI. These studies
were considered to represent the greatest weight of evidence.
Studies that were randomized, but not double blind, and/or
studies using less robust endpoints (e.g. refractory ischaemia or
need for revascularization) were considered to confer a lower
weight of evidence. If only smaller studies were available,
meta-analyses were used. However, even the largest controlled
trials do not cover all aspects seen in real life. Therefore, some recommendations are derived from subset analyses of larger trials, in
the absence of sufficiently powered independent studies.
2.1 Epidemiology and natural history

Registry data consistently show that NSTE-ACS is more frequent
than STE-ACS.4 The annual incidence is !3 per 1000 inhabitants,
but varies between countries.5 Hospital mortality is higher in
patients with STEMI than among those with NSTE-ACS (7% vs.
3 5%, respectively), but at 6 months the mortality rates are very
similar in both conditions (12% and 13%, respectively).4,6,7 Longterm follow-up showed that death rates were higher among
patients with NSTE-ACS than with STE-ACS, with a two-fold
difference at 4 years.8 This difference in mid- and long-term evolution may be due to different patient profiles, since NSTE-ACS
patients tend to be older, with more co-morbidities, especially
diabetes and renal failure.
The lessons from epidemiological observations are that treatment strategies for NSTE-ACS not only need to address the
acute phase but with the same intensity impact on longer term
management. Further data regarding the epidemiology and
natural history of NSTE-ACS have been presented in the previous
guidelines3 and are also covered in The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine.9
2.2 Pathophysiology
ACS represents a life-threatening manifestation of atherosclerosis.
It is usually precipitated by acute thrombosis induced by a ruptured
or eroded atherosclerotic coronary plaque, with or without concomitant vasoconstriction, causing a sudden and critical reduction
in blood flow. In the complex process of plaque disruption, inflammation was revealed as a key pathophysiological element. In rare
cases, ACS may have a non-atherosclerotic aetiology such as arteritis, trauma, dissection, thrombo-embolism, congenital anomalies,
cocaine abuse, or complications of cardiac catheterization. The
key pathophysiological concepts such as vulnerable plaque, coronary thrombosis, vulnerable patient, endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherothrombosis, secondary mechanisms of NSTE-ACS,
and myocardial injury have to be understood for the correct use
of the available therapeutic strategies. The lesions predicting ACS
are usually angiographically mild, characterized by a thin-cap
fibroatheroma, by a large plaque burden, or by a small luminal
area, or some combination of these characteristics.10 These are
described in more detail in the previous guidelines3 as well as in
The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine.9
3. Diagnosis
The leading symptom of ACS is typically chest pain. The working
diagnosis of NSTE-ACS is a rule-out diagnosis based on the
ECG, i.e. lack of persistent ST elevation. Biomarkers (troponins)
further distinguish NSTEMI and unstable angina. Imaging modalities
are used to rule out or rule in differential diagnoses. Diagnosis
finding and risk stratification are closely linked (see Section 4).
3.1 Clinical presentation

The clinical presentation of NSTE-ACS encompasses a wide
variety of symptoms. Traditionally, several clinical presentations
have been distinguished:
Prolonged (.20 min) anginal pain at rest;
New onset (de novo) angina (Class II or III of the Classification of
the Canadian Cardiovascular Society11);
Recent destabilization of previously stable angina with at least
Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III angina characteristics
(crescendo angina); or
Post-MI angina.
Patients with acute chest pain and persistent

(>20 min) ST-segment elevation. This is termed
ST-elevation ACS (STE-ACS) and generally reflects an acute
total coronary occlusion. Most of these patients will ultimately
develop an ST-elevation MI (STEMI). The therapeutic objective
is to achieve rapid, complete, and sustained reperfusion by
primary angioplasty or fibrinolytic therapy.
2. Patients with acute chest pain but without persistent
ST-segment elevation. These patients have rather persistent
or transient ST-segment depression or T-wave inversion, flat T
waves, pseudo-normalization of T waves, or no ECG changes at
presentation. The initial strategy in these patients is to alleviate
ischaemia and symptoms, to monitor the patient with serial
ECGs, and to repeat measurements of markers of myocardial
necrosis. At presentation, the working diagnosis of
non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), based on the measurement
of troponins, will be further qualified as non-ST-elevation MI
(NSTEMI) or unstable angina (Figure 1). In a certain number of
patients, coronary heart disease will subsequently be excluded
as the cause of symptoms.
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ESC Guidelines
3.2 Diagnostic tools

3.2.1 Physical examination
The physical examination is frequently normal. Signs of heart failure
or haemodynamic instability must prompt the physician to expedite diagnosis and treatment. An important goal of the physical
examination is to exclude non-cardiac causes of chest pain and
non-ischaemic cardiac disorders (e.g. pulmonary embolism, aortic
dissection, pericarditis, valvular heart disease) or potentially
extracardiac causes such as acute pulmonary diseases (e.g. pneumothorax, pneumonia, or pleural effusion). In this regard, differences in blood pressure between the upper and lower limbs, an
irregular pulse, heart murmurs, a friction rub, pain on palpation,
and abdominal masses are physical findings that may suggest a diagnosis other than NSTE-ACS. Other physical findings such as pallor,
increased sweating, or tremor may point towards precipitating
conditions such as anaemia and thyrotoxicosis.
3.2.2 Electrocardiogram
The resting 12-lead ECG is the first-line diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients with suspected NSTE-ACS. It should be obtained
within 10 min after first medical contact (either on arrival of the
patient in the emergency room or at first contact with emergency
medical services in the pre-hospital setting) and immediately interpreted by a qualified physician.17 The characteristic ECG abnormalities of NSTE-ACS are ST-segment depression or transient elevation
and/or T-wave changes.6,18 The finding of persistent (.20 min)
ST-elevation suggests STEMI, which mandates different treatment.2
If the initial ECG is normal or inconclusive, additional recordings
should be obtained if the patient develops symptoms and these
should be compared with recordings obtained in an asymptomatic
state.18 Comparison with a previous ECG, if available, is valuable,
particularly in patients with co-existing cardiac disorders such as
LV hypertrophy or a previous MI. ECG recordings should be
repeated at least at (3 h) 69 h and 24 h after first presentation,
and immediately in the case of recurrence of chest pain or symptoms. A pre-discharge ECG is advisable.
It should be appreciated that a completely normal ECG does not
exclude the possibility of NSTE-ACS. In particular, ischaemia in the
territory of the circumflex artery or isolated right ventricular
ischaemia frequently escapes the common 12-lead ECG, but may
be detected in leads V7 V9 and in leads V3R and V4R, respectively.18 Transient episodes of bundle branch block occasionally
occur during ischaemic attacks.
The standard ECG at rest does not adequately reflect the dynamic
nature of coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischaemia. Almost
two-thirds of all ischaemic episodes in the phase of instability are
clinically silent, and hence are unlikely to be detected by a conventional ECG. Accordingly, online continuous computer-assisted
12-lead ST-segment monitoring is also a valuable diagnostic tool.
3.2.3 Biomarkers
Cardiac troponins play a central role in establishing a diagnosis and
stratifying risk, and make it possible to distinguish between
NSTEMI and unstable angina. Troponins are more specific and sensitive than the traditional cardiac enzymes such as creatine kinase
(CK), its isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and myoglobin. Elevation of
cardiac troponins reflects myocardial cellular damage, which in
NSTE-ACS may result from distal embolization of platelet-rich
thrombi from the site of a ruptured or eroded plaque. Accordingly,
troponin may be seen as a surrogate marker of active thrombus
formation.19 In the setting of myocardial ischaemia (chest pain,
ECG changes, or new wall motion abnormalities), troponin
elevation indicates MI.18
In patients with MI, an initial rise in troponins occurs within
!4 h after symptom onset. Troponins may remain elevated for
up to 2 weeks due to proteolysis of the contractile apparatus. In
NSTE-ACS, minor troponin elevations usually resolve within
48 72 h. There is no fundamental difference between troponin
T and troponin I. Differences between study results are explained
by varying inclusion criteria, variances in sampling patterns, and the
use of assays with different diagnostic cut-offs.
In the clinical setting, a test with high ability to rule out (negative
predictive value) and correctly diagnose ACS (positive predictive
value) is of paramount interest. The diagnostic cut-off for MI is
defined as a cardiac troponin measurement exceeding the 99th percentile of a normal reference population (upper reference limit) using
an assay with an imprecision (coefficient of variation) of 10% at the
upper reference limit.18 The value of this cut-off has been substantiated in several studies.20,21 Many of the earlier generation troponin
Prolonged pain is observed in 80% of patients, while de novo or

accelerated angina is observed in the remaining 20%.12
The typical clinical presentation of NSTE-ACS is retrosternal
pressure or heaviness (angina) radiating to the left arm, neck, or
jaw, which may be intermittent (usually lasting for several minutes)
or persistent. These complaints may be accompanied by other
symptoms such as diaphoresis, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspnoea,
and syncope. However, atypical presentations are not uncommon.13
These include epigastric pain, indigestion, stabbing chest pain, chest
pain with some pleuritic features, or increasing dyspnoea. Atypical
complaints are more often observed in older (.75 years) patients,
in women, and in patients with diabetes, chronic renal failure, or
dementia.13,14 Absence of chest pain leads to under-recognition
and under-treatment of the disease.15 The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges arise especially when the ECG is normal or
nearly normal, or conversely when the ECG is abnormal at baseline
due to underlying conditions such as intraventricular conduction
defects or left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy.16
Certain features, in terms of the symptoms, may support the diagnosis of CAD and guide patient management. The exacerbation of
symptoms by physical exertion, or their relief at rest or after the
administration of nitrates, supports a diagnosis of ischaemia. It is
important to identify clinical circumstances that may exacerbate or
precipitate NSTE-ACS, such as anaemia, infection, inflammation,
fever, and metabolic or endocrine (in particular thyroid) disorders.
When faced with a symptomatic patient, the presence of several
clinical findings increases the probability of CAD and therefore
NSTE-ACS. These include older age, male sex, a positive family
history, and known atherosclerosis in non-coronary territories,
such as peripheral or carotid artery disease. The presence of risk
factors, in particular diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency as
well as prior manifestation of CAD [i.e. previous MI, percutaneous
intervention (PCI), or coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery], also
raises the likelihood of NSTE-ACS.
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Table 3 Possible non-acute coronary syndrome

causes of troponin elevation (bold: important
differential diagnoses)
Chronic or acute renal dysfunction
Severe congestive heart failure acute and chronic
Hypertensive crisis
Tachy- or bradyarrhythmias
Pulmonary embolism, severe pulmonary hypertension
Inflammatory diseases, e.g. myocarditis
Acute neurological disease, including stroke, or subarachnoid
haemorrhage
Aortic dissection, aortic valve disease or hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy
Hypothyroidism
Apical ballooning syndrome (Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy)
Infiltrative diseases, e.g. amyloidosis, haemochromatosis, sarcoidosis,
sclerodermia
Drug toxicity, e.g. adriamycin, 5-fluorouracil, herceptin, snake venoms
Burns, if affecting >30% of body surface area
Rhabdomyolysis
Critically ill patients, especially with respiratory failure, or sepsis
T and troponin I assays do not fulfil the precision criteria. Recently,

high-sensitivity or ultrasensitive assays have been introduced that
have a 10- to 100-fold lower limit of detection and fulfil the requirements of analytical precision. Therefore, MI can now be detected
more frequently and earlier in patients presenting with chest
pain.20,21 The superiority of these new assays, particularly in the
early phase of pain onset, was prospectively demonstrated.20,21 The
negative predictive value for MI with a single test on admission is
.95% and thereby at least as high as with previous assays achieved
only by serial measurements. Only very early presenters may
escape detection. By including a second sample within 3 h of presentation the sensitivity for MI approaches 100%.22,23
Owing to the improved analytical sensitivity, low troponin levels
can now also be detected in many patients with stable angina24,25
and in healthy individuals.26 The underlying mechanisms of this troponin release are not yet sufficiently explained, but any measurable
troponin is associated with an unfavourable prognosis.24 In order
to maintain specificity for MI, there is now an emerging need to
distinguish chronic from acute troponin elevation. Therefore, the
magnitude of change depending on the initial value gains importance to differentiate acute from chronic myocardial damage.
The relevant change in levels from baseline is still debated. In particular at borderline levels, the change must exceed the natural
biological variation and needs to be defined for each assay.27
Other life-threatening conditions presenting with chest pain, such

as dissecting aortic aneurysm or pulmonary embolism, may also
result in elevated troponins and should always be considered as differential diagnoses. Elevation of cardiac troponins also occurs in the
setting of non-coronary-related myocardial injury (Table 3). This
reflects the sensitivity of the marker for myocardial cell injury and
should not be labelled as a false positive. False-positive results have
been documented in the setting of skeletal myopathies or chronic
renal failure. Troponin elevation is frequently found when the
serum creatinine level is .2.5 mg/dL (221 mmol/L) in the absence
of proven ACS, and is also associated with an adverse prognosis.28,29
Point-of-care (bedside) biomarker testing
It is most important to establish the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS rapidly
and to assign appropriate treatment. Point-of-care tests allow
measurement of biomarkers at minimal turnaround times.30
Point-of-care tests for troponins should be implemented when a
central laboratory cannot consistently provide test results within
60 min.31 No special skill or prolonged training is required to read
the results of these assays. Accordingly, these tests can be performed by various members of the healthcare team after adequate
training. However, reading of these mostly qualitative tests is performed visually and is therefore observer dependent. Optical
reading devices for the emergency room setting that give quantitative results are also available. The tests are usually reliable when positive. However, in the presence of a remaining suspicion of unstable
CAD, negative tests should be repeated at a later time and verified
by a dedicated laboratory. A rapid rule-out protocol (2 h) by using a
point-of-care biomarker test, a risk score, and ECG was recently
shown to be safe in identifying a low risk group.32
3.2.4 Imaging
Non-invasive imaging techniques
Among non-invasive imaging techniques, echocardiography is the
most important modality in the acute setting because it is rapidly
and widely available. LV systolic function is an important prognostic
variable in patients with CAD and can be easily and accurately
assessed by echocardiography. In experienced hands, transient segmental hypokinesia or akinesia may be detected during ischaemia.
Furthermore, differential diagnoses such as aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
or pericardial effusion may be identified.33 Therefore, echocardiography should be routinely available in emergency rooms or chest
pain units, and used in all patients.
In patients with non-diagnostic 12-lead ECGs and negative
cardiac biomarkers but suspected ACS, stress imaging may be
performed, provided the patient is free of chest pain. Various
studies have used stress echocardiography, showing high negative
predictive values and/or excellent outcome in the presence of a
normal stress echocardiogram.34
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can integrate
assessment of function and perfusion, and detection of scar
tissue in one session, but this imaging technique is not yet widely
available. Various studies have demonstrated the usefulness of
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to exclude or detect ACS.35
In addition, CMR imaging is useful to assess myocardial viability
and to detect myocarditis.
Cardiac contusion, ablation, pacing, cardioversion, or endomyocardial

biopsy
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Similarly, nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging has been shown

to be useful, but is also not widely available on 24 h service. Rest
myocardial scintigraphy was shown to be helpful for initial triage of
patients presenting with chest pain without ECG changes or evidence of ongoing ischaemia or MI.36 A stressrest study has the
advantage that it also provides information on inducible ischaemia.
Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is not currently used
for the detection of ischaemia, but offers direct visualization of the
coronary arteries. Therefore, this technique has the potential to
exclude the presence of CAD. Various studies reported high negative predictive values and/or excellent outcome in the presence of
a normal scan.37 41 Accordingly, CT angiography, if available at a
sufficient level of expertise, may be useful to exclude ACS or
other causes of chest pain.
Table 4
3.3 Differential diagnoses

Several cardiac and non-cardiac conditions may mimic NSTE-ACS
(Table 4). Underlying chronic conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease (i.e. aortic stenosis or aortic
regurgitation) may be associated with typical symptoms of
NSTE-ACS, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and ECG changes.46 Sometimes paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) mimics ACS. Since some of
these patients also have CAD, the diagnostic process can be difficult.
Myocarditis, pericarditis, or myopericarditis of different aetiologies may be associated with chest pain that resembles the typical
angina of NSTE-ACS, and can be associated with a rise in cardiac
biomarker levels, ECG changes, and wall motion abnormalities. A
flu-like, febrile condition with symptoms attributed to the upper
respiratory tract often precedes or accompanies these conditions.
However, infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract, also
Cardiac and non-cardiac conditions that can mimic non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndomes
Cardiac
Pulmonary
Haematological
Vascular
Gastro-intestinal
Orthopaedic/
infectious
Myocarditis
Pulmonary embolism
Sickle cell crisis
Aortic dissection
Oesophageal spasm
Cervical discopathy
Pericarditis
Pulmonary infarction
Anaemia
Aortic aneurysm
Oesophagitis
Rib fracture
Cardiomyopathy
Pneumonia
Pleuritis
Valvular disease
Pneumothorax
Tako-Tsubo
cardiomyopathy
Cardiac trauma
Cerebrovascular disease Peptic ulcer
Muscle injury/
inflammation
Pancreatitis
Costochondritis
Cholecystitis
Herpes zoster
Invasive imaging (coronary angiography)

Coronary angiography provides unique information on the presence
and severity of CAD and therefore remains the gold standard. It is
recommended to perform angiograms before and after intracoronary administration of vasodilators (nitrates) in order to attenuate
vasoconstriction and offset the dynamic component that is frequently present in ACS. In haemodynamically compromised patients
(e.g. with pulmonary oedema, hypotension, or severe lifethreatening arrhythmias) it may be advisable to perform the examination after placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump, to limit the
number of coronary injections, and to abstain from LV angiography.
Angiography should be performed urgently for diagnostic purposes
in patients at high risk and in whom the differential diagnosis is
unclear (see Section 5.4). The identification of acute thrombotic
occlusions (e.g. circumflex artery) is particularly important in
patients with ongoing symptoms or relevant troponin elevation
but in the absence of diagnostic ECG changes.
Data from the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction
(TIMI)-3B42 and Fragmin during Instability in Coronary Artery
Disease-2 (FRISC-2)43 studies show that 30 38% of patients
with unstable coronary syndromes have single-vessel disease and
4459% have multivessel disease (.50% diameter stenosis). The
incidence of left main narrowing varies from 4% to 8%. Patients
with multivessel disease as well as those with left main stenosis

are at the highest risk of serious cardiac events. Coronary angiography in conjunction with ECG findings and regional wall motion
abnormalities frequently allows identification of the culprit lesion.
Typical angiographic features are eccentricity, irregular borders,
ulceration, haziness, and filling defects suggestive of the presence
of intracoronary thrombus. In lesions whose severity is difficult
to assess, intravascular ultrasound or fractional flow reserve
(FFR) measurements carried out .5 days after the index event44
are useful in order to decide on the treatment strategy.
The choice of vascular access site depends on operator expertise and local preference, but, due to the large impact of bleeding
complications on clinical outcome in patients with elevated bleeding risk, the choice may become important. Since the radial
approach has been shown to reduce the risk of bleeding when
compared with the femoral approach, this access site should be
preferred in patients at high risk of bleeding provided the operator
has sufficient experience with this technique. The radial approach
has a lower risk of large haematomas at the price of higher radiation dose for the patient and the staff.45 The femoral approach
may be preferred in haemodynamically compromised patients to
facilitate the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.
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often precede or accompany NSTE-ACS. The definitive diagnosis
of myocarditis or myopericarditis may frequently only be established during the course of hospitalization.
Non-cardiac life-threatening conditions must be ruled out.
Among these, pulmonary embolism may be associated with dyspnoea, chest pain, and ECG changes, as well as elevated levels of
cardiac biomarkers similar to those of NSTE-ACS. D-dimer
levels, echocardiography, and CT are the preferred diagnostic
tests. MRI angiography of the pulmonary arteries may be used as
an alternative imaging technique, if available. Aortic dissection is
the other condition to be considered as an important differential
diagnosis. NSTE-ACS may be a complication of aortic dissection
when the dissection involves the coronary arteries. Furthermore,
stroke may be accompanied by ECG changes, wall motion abnormalities, and a rise in cardiac biomarker levels. Conversely, atypical
symptoms such as headache and vertigo may in rare cases be
the sole presentation of myocardial ischaemia.
NSTE-ACS is an unstable coronary condition prone to ischaemic

recurrences and other complications that may lead to death or MI
in the short and long term. The management, which includes antiischaemic and antithrombotic pharmacological treatments as well
as various strategies for coronary revascularization, is directed to
prevent or reduce such complications and to improve outcomes.
The timing and intensity of these interventions should be tailored
to an individual patients risk. As many treatment options increase
the risk of haemorrhagic complications, this needs to be carefully
balanced on an individual basis. Since the spectrum of risk associated
with NSTE-ACS is wide and particularly high in the early hours, risk
must be carefully assessed immediately after first medical contact.
Risk assessment is a continuous process until hospital discharge
that may modify the treatment strategy at any time. Dedicated
chest pain units or coronary care units may improve care of ACS
patients.47 Even after discharge, the NSTE-ACS patient remains at
elevated risk and deserves special attention.
4.1 Clinical risk assessment

In addition to some universal clinical markers of risk, such as
advanced age, diabetes, renal failure, or other co-morbidities, the
initial clinical presentation is highly predictive of early prognosis.
Symptoms at rest carry a worse prognosis than symptoms elicited
only during physical exertion. In patients with intermittent symptoms, an increasing number of episodes preceding the index
event also has an impact on outcome. The presence of tachycardia,
hypotension, or heart failure upon presentation indicates a poor
prognosis and calls for rapid diagnosis and management.48 50 In
younger patients presenting with ACS, cocaine use may be considered, which is linked to more extensive myocardial damage
and higher rates of complications.51
4.2 Electrocardiogram indicators

The initial ECG presentation is predictive of early risk. Patients
with a normal ECG on admission have a better prognosis than
those with negative T waves. Patients with ST-segment depression
have an even worse prognosis, which is dependent on the severity
and extent of ECG changes.52,53 The number of leads showing ST

depression and the magnitude of ST depression are indicative of
the extent and severity of ischaemia and correlate with prognosis.52 ST-segment depression 0.05 mV in two or more contiguous leads, in the appropriate clinical context, is suggestive of
NSTE-ACS and linked to prognosis. Minor (0.05 mV) ST
depression may be difficult to measure in clinical practice. More
relevant is ST depression of .0.1 mV, which is associated with
an 11% rate of death and MI at 1 year. ST depression of
.0.2 mV carries about a six-fold increased mortality risk.53 ST
depression combined with transient ST elevation identifies an
even higher risk subgroup.
Patients with ST depression have a higher risk for subsequent
cardiac events compared with those with isolated T-wave inversion (.0.1 mV) in leads with predominant R waves, who in turn
have a higher risk than those with a normal ECG on admission.
Some studies have cast doubt on the prognostic value of isolated
T-wave inversion. However, deep symmetrical inversion of the
T waves in the anterior chest leads is often related to a significant
stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery
or main stem.
Other features, such as elevation (.0.1 mV) in lead aVR, have
been associated with a high probability of left main or triple-vessel
CAD and worse clinical prognosis.53
Stress testing for ischaemia
In patients who continue to have typical ischaemic rest pain, no
stress test should be performed. However, a stress test for inducible ischaemia has predictive value and is therefore useful before
hospital discharge in patients with a non-diagnostic ECG provided
there is no pain, no signs of heart failure, and normal biomarkers
(repeat testing). Early exercise testing has a high negative predictive
value. Parameters reflecting myocardial contractile performance
provide at least as much prognostic information as those reflecting
ischaemia, while the combination of these parameters gives the
best prognostic information.54,55
Continuous ST-segment monitoring
Several studies using continuous ST-segment monitoring revealed
that 1530% of patients with NSTE-ACS have transient episodes
of ST-segment changes, predominantly ST-segment depression.
These patients have an increased risk of subsequent cardiac
events, including cardiovascular death.56 ST monitoring adds independent prognostic information to that provided by the ECG at
rest, troponins, and other clinical variables.56,57
4.3 Biomarkers
Biomarkers reflect different pathophysiological aspects of
NSTE-ACS, such as myocardial cell injury, inflammation, platelet
activation, and neurohormonal activation. Troponin T or I are
the preferred biomarkers to predict short-term (30 days)
outcome with respect to MI and death.30,58 The prognostic value
of troponin measurements has also been confirmed for the long
term (1 year and beyond). NSTEMI patients with elevated troponin
levels but no rise in CK-MB (who comprise !28% of the NSTEMI
population), although undertreated, have a higher risk profile and
lower in-hospital mortality than patients with both markers
4. Prognosis assessment
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hospital stay are strongly predictive of outcome, and persistently

abnormal fasting glucose levels carry a particularly ominous
prognosis.67
A number of routine haematological variables are also predictors of worse prognosis. Patients with anaemia have consistently
been shown to be at higher risk.69,70 Similarly, higher white
blood cell counts or lower platelet counts on admission are associated with worse outcomes.70
Impaired renal function is a strong independent predictor of
long-term mortality in ACS patients.60,71 Serum creatinine concentration is a less reliable indicator of renal function than creatinine
clearance (CrCl) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
because it is affected by a multitude of factors including age,
weight, muscle mass, race, and various medications. Several
formulae have been devised to improve the accuracy of the
serum creatinine level as a surrogate for eGFR, including the
CockcroftGault and the abbreviated Modification of Diet in
Renal Disease (MDRD) equations. Long-term mortality increases
exponentially with decreasing eGFR/CrCl.
Novel biomarkers
A large number of biomarkers have been tested with the aim of
further improving risk assessment as well as earlier exclusion of
ACS. Biomarkers more specifically reflecting vascular inflammation
processes or markers of oxidative stress have the greatest potential by better reflecting the underlying mechanisms. Among these,
myeloperoxidase, growth differentiation factor 15, and lipoproteinassociated phospholipase A-2 present promising options.72 75
Early diagnosis of ACS may be improved by measurements of
fatty acid-binding protein76 or ischaemia-modified-albumin77 as
well as markers of systemic stress (copeptin).78 However, the
incremental valueparticularly over highly sensitive troponin
testshas not been evaluated, thereby presently precluding any
recommendation for routine use.
4.4 Risk scores

Quantitative assessment of risk is useful for clinical decision
making. Several scores have been developed from different
populations to estimate ischaemic and bleeding risks, with different
outcomes and time frames. In clinical practice, simple risk scores
may be more convenient and preferred.
Risk scores of outcome
Among several risk scores predicting short- or mid-term risk of
ischaemic events, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events
(GRACE)50 and the TIMI49 risk scores are the most widely used.
There are some differences with respect to populations, outcomes,
and time frames, as well as predictors derived from baseline characteristics, history, clinical or haemodynamic presentation, ECG,
laboratory measures, and treatment.
Based on direct comparisons,79,80 the GRACE risk score provides
the most accurate stratification of risk both on admission and at
discharge due to its good discriminative power (Table 5).
However, the complexity of the estimation requires the use of computer or personal digital assistant software for risk calculations,
which can also be performed online (http://www.outcomes.org/
grace). The addition of biomarkers (e.g. NT-proBNP) can further
elevated.59 The increased risk associated with elevated troponin

levels is independent of and additive to other risk factors, such
as ECG changes at rest or on continuous monitoring, or
markers of inflammatory activity.60 Furthermore, the identification
of patients with elevated troponin levels is also useful for selecting
appropriate treatment in patients with NSTE-ACS. However, troponins should not be used as the sole decision criterion, because
in-hospital mortality may be as high as 12.7% in certain high risk
troponin-negative subgroups.61
Due to low sensitivity for MI, a single negative test on first
contact with the patient is not sufficient for ruling out
NSTE-ACS, as in many patients an increase in troponins can be
detected only in the subsequent hours. Therefore, repeated
measurements after 6 9 h have been advocated.27,30 The recently
introduced high-sensitivity troponin assays better identify patients
at risk and provide reliable and rapid prognosis prediction allowing
a fast track rule-out protocol (3 h). For further details, see Section
3.2.3 and Figure 5.
While cardiac troponins are the key biomarkers for initial risk
stratification, multiple other biomarkers have been evaluated for
incremental prognostic information. Of these, high-sensitivity
C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
have both been extensively validated and are routinely available.
Natriuretic peptides such as BNP or its N-terminal prohormone
fragment (NT-proBNP) are highly sensitive and fairly specific
markers for the detection of LV dysfunction. Robust retrospective
data in NSTE-ACS show that patients with elevated BNP or
NT-proBNP levels have a three- to five-fold increased mortality
rate when compared with those with lower levels independent
of troponin and hsCRP measurements.62 The level is strongly
associated with the risk of death even when adjusted for age,
Killip class, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF).60 Values taken a few
days after onset of symptoms seem to have superior predictive
value when compared with measurements on admission. Natriuretic peptides are useful markers in the emergency room in evaluating chest pain or dyspnoea and were shown to be helpful in
differentiating cardiac and non-cardiac causes of dyspnoea.
However, as markers of long-term prognosis, they have limited
value for initial risk stratification and hence for selecting the
initial therapeutic strategy in NSTE-ACS.62
Of the numerous inflammatory markers investigated over the
past decade, CRP measured by high-sensitivity assays is the most
widely studied and is linked to adverse events. There is solid
evidence that even among patients with troponin-negative
NSTE-ACS, elevated levels of hsCRP (.10 mg/L) are predictive
of long-term mortality (.6 months up to 4 years).60,63,64 The
FRISC study confirmed that elevated hsCRP levels are associated
with increased mortality at the time of the index event and continuously increase over 4 years.65 This was also observed in large
cohorts of patients submitted to planned PCI. Patients with persistently elevated hsCRP levels carry the highest risk.66 However,
hsCRP has no role for the diagnosis of ACS.
Hyperglycaemia on admission is a strong predictor of mortality
and heart failure even in non-diabetic patients.67,68 More recently it
became apparent that fasting glucose levels, obtained early during
the hospital course, may predict mortality even better than admission levels.68 Furthermore, fluctuations of fasting glucose during
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Table 5 Mortality in hospital and at 6 months50 in low,

intermediate, and high risk categories in registry
populations, according to the GRACE risk score
Risk category
(tertile)
GRACE risk score
In-hospital death
(%)
Low
108
<1
Intermediate
109140
13
High
>140
>3
Risk category
(tertile)
GRACE risk score
Post-discharge
to 6-month
death (%)
88
<3
Intermediate
89118
3-8
High
>118
>8
enhance the discriminative power of the GRACE score and improve

long-term risk prediction.81
The TIMI risk score (using only six variables in an additive
scoring system) is simpler to use, but its discriminative accuracy
is inferior to that of the GRACE risk score.80 This is the consequence of not including key risk factors such as Killip class, heart
rate, and systolic blood pressure.82
Bleeding risk scores
Bleeding is associated with an adverse prognosis in NSTE-ACS, and
all efforts should be made to reduce bleeding whenever possible. A
few variables can help to classify patients into different levels of risk
for major bleeding during hospitalization. Bleeding risk scores have
been developed from registry or trial cohorts in the setting of ACS
and PCI. The Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina
patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation
of the ACC/AHA guidelines (CRUSADE) bleeding risk score
(www.crusadebleedingscore.org/) was developed from a cohort
of 71 277 patients from the CRUSADE registry (derivation
cohort) and further validated in a cohort of 17 857 patients
(validation cohort) from the same registry (Table 6).83 The rate
of major bleeding increased gradually with rising bleeding risk
score (Figure 2). The C statistics for the major bleeding model
(derivation 0.72 and validation 0.71) and risk score
(derivation 0.71 and validation 0.70) were similar. This score
has relatively high accuracy for estimating bleeding risk by incorporating admission and treatment variables. In this bleeding risk
score, age is not listed among the predictors, but is contained in
the creatinine clearance calculation.83
Another bleeding risk score has also been derived from a
pooled cohort of 17 421 patients with ACS recruited in Acute
Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategY
(ACUITY) and Harmonizing Outcomes with RevasculariZatiON
and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction (HORIZONS) trials.84
Six independent baseline predictors (female sex, advanced age,
Algorithm used to determine the risk score of

CRUSADE In-Hospital major bleeding
Predictor
Baseline haematocrit, %
<31
3133.9
3436.9
3739.9
40
Score
9
7
3
2
0
Creatinine clearance,a mL/min

15
>1530
>3060
>6090
>90120
>120
39
35
28
17
7
0
Heart rate (b.p.m.)

70
7180
8190
91100
101110
111120
121
0
1
3
6
8
10
11
Sex
Male
Female
0
8
Signs of CHF at presentation

No
Yes
0
7
Prior vascular diseaseb

No
Yes
0
6
Diabetes mellitus
No
Yes
0
6
Systolic blood pressure, mmHg

90
91100
101120
121180
181200
201
10
8
5
1
3
5
Used with permission of Circulation 2009.

CRUSADE Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress
ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines
elevated serum creatinine, white blood cell count, anaemia,

NSTEMI or STEMI) and one treatment-related variable [use of
heparin and a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor rather
than bivalirudin alone] were identified. This risk score identified
patients at increased risk for non-CABG-related bleeding and
subsequent 1-year mortality, but has not been validated in an
independent cohort.
Both risk scores were developed from cohorts where femoral
access was predominantly or exclusively used. Their predictive
Low
Table 6 CRUSADE registry bleeding risk score83
3011
ESC Guidelines
50%
45%
Risk of Major Bleeding
40%
35%
30%
Probability of In-Hospital
Major Bleeding
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Figure 2 Risk of major bleeding across the spectrum of CRUSADE bleeding score (www.crusadebleedingscore.org/). CRUSADE Can
Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines.
Recommendations for diagnosis and risk stratification

Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
In patients with a suspected NSTE-ACS, diagnosis and short-term ischaemic/bleeding risk stratification should be based
on a combination of clinical history, symptoms, physical findings, ECG (repeated or continuous ST monitoring), and
biomarkers.
16, 18, 27,

30, 58 56,
57
ACS patients should be admitted preferably to dedicated chest pain units or coronary care units.
47
It is recommended to use established risk scores for prognosis and bleeding (e.g. GRACE, CRUSADE).
50, 83
A 12-lead ECG should be obtained within 10 min after first medical contact and immediately read by an experienced
physician. This should be repeated in the case of recurrence of symptoms, and after 69 and 24 h, and before hospital
discharge.
17, 18
Additional ECG leads (V3R, V4R, V7V9) are recommended when routine leads are inconclusive.
18
Blood has to be drawn promptly for troponin (cardiac troponin T or I) measurement. The result should be available
within 60 min. The test should be repeated 69 h after initial assessment if the first measurement is not conclusive.
Repeat testing after 1224 h is advised if the clinical condition is still suggestive of ACS.
27, 30
A rapid rule-out protocol (0 and 3 h) is recommended when highly sensitive troponin tests are available (see Figure 5).
20, 21, 23
An echocardiogram is recommended for all patients to evaluate regional and global LV function and to rule in or rule
out differential diagnoses.
Coronary angiography is indicated in patients in whom the extent of CAD or the culprit lesion has to be determined
(see Section 5.4).
Coronary CT angiography should be considered as an alternative to invasive angiography to exclude ACS when there
is a low to intermediate likelihood of CAD and when troponin and ECG are inconclusive.
IIa
3741
35, 54, 55
In patients without recurrence of pain, normal ECG findings, negative troponins tests, and a low risk score, a noninvasive stress test for inducible ischaemia is recommended before deciding on an invasive strategy.
a
Class of recommendation.
Level of evidence.
c
References.
ACS acute coronary syndromes; CAD coronary artery disease; CRUSADE Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with
Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines; CT computed tomography; ECG electrocardiogram; GRACE Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events; LV left
ventricular; NSTE-ACS non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.
b
CRUSADE Bleeding Score
3012
value may be lower in a radial access setting. Any score cannot
replace the clinical evaluation, but rather they do present an objective clinical tool to assess bleeding risk in individuals or in a given
population.
4.5 Long-term risk

In addition to the early risk factors, a number of other factors are
associated with long-term risk over many years of follow-up. These
are important for refining early risk stratification on top of established risk scores, and may lead to intensification of the initial
therapeutic and interventional strategy. Such factors include a
complicated clinical course, LV systolic function, severity of
CAD, revascularization status, and evidence of residual ischaemia
on non-invasive testing.
5.1 Anti-ischaemic agents

Anti-ischaemic drugs either decrease myocardial oxygen demand
(by decreasing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, reducing
preload, or reducing myocardial contractility) or increase myocardial oxygen supply (by inducing coronary vasodilatation).
b-Blockers
b-Blockers competitively inhibit the myocardial effects of circulating catecholamines and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption by
lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility. The evidence
for the beneficial effects of b-blockers is extrapolated from early
studies in STEMI and stable angina patients.85,86 Two double-blind
randomized trials have compared b-blockers with placebo in
unstable angina.87,88 A meta-analysis suggested that b-blocker
treatment was associated with a 13% relative risk reduction
(RRR) of progression to STEMI.89 Although no significant effect
on mortality in NSTE-ACS has been demonstrated in these relatively small trials, the results may be extrapolated from larger randomized trials of b-blockers in patients with unselected MI.90 In
the CRUSADE registry, which monitored treatment of patients
with NSTEMI/unstable angina at 509 US hospitals from 2001 to
2004, patients selected to receive acute b-blockade by their care
providers had a 34% reduction in in-hospital mortality after adjusting for risk (3.9% vs. 6.9%, P ,0.001).91
A systematic review failed to demonstrate a convincing
in-hospital mortality benefit for using b-blockers early in the
course of an acute or suspected MI and concluded that the
available evidence does not support giving b-blockers to patients
presenting with ACS within the first 8 h.92 The reservation to
give b-blockers is extrapolated from the Chinese Clopidogrel
and Metoprolol in Myocardial Infarction Trial (COMMIT) study
in mostly STEMI patients, which resulted in a significantly higher
rate of cardiogenic shock in the metoprolol (5.0%) vs. control
group (3.9%; P ,0.0001).93 A sensitivity analysis, excluding the
COMMIT study data from the meta-analysis, changed the
pooled relative risk (RR) of in-hospital mortality [RR 0.86; 95%
confidence interval (CI) 0.77 0.96] to favour rather b-blocker
administration.92
Nitrates
The use of nitrates in unstable angina is largely based on pathophysiological considerations and clinical experience. The therapeutic
benefits of nitrates and similar drug classes such as syndonimines
are related to their effects on the peripheral and coronary circulation.
The major therapeutic benefit is probably related to the venodilator
effects that lead to a decrease in myocardial preload and LV enddiastolic volume, resulting in a decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption. In addition, nitrates dilate normal as well as atherosclerotic
coronary arteries and increase coronary collateral flow.
Studies of nitrates in unstable angina have been small and observational. There are no randomized placebo-controlled trials to
confirm efficacy of this class of drugs in reducing risk of major
adverse cardiac events. While an older analysis of the TIMI-7
study did not find a protective effect of chronic oral nitrate treatment against unstable angina or MI,94 the GRACE registry showed
that chronic nitrate use was associated with a shift away from
STEMI in favour of NSTE-ACS and with lower release of
markers of cardiac necrosis.95
In patients with NSTE-ACS who require hospital admission,
intravenous (i.v.) nitrates are more effective than sublingual nitrates
with regard to symptom relief and regression of ST depression.96
The dose should be titrated upwards until symptoms (angina
and/or dyspnoea) are relieved unless side effects (notably headache or hypotension) occur. A limitation of continuous nitrate
therapy is the phenomenon of tolerance, which is related to
both the dose administered and the duration of treatment.
Nitrates should not be given to patients on phosphodiesterase-5
inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil) because of the risk of
profound vasodilatation and critical blood pressure drop.
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers are vasodilating drugs. In addition, some
have direct effects on atrioventricular conduction and heart rate.
There are three subclasses of calcium blockers, which are chemically distinct and have different pharmacological effects: dihydropyridines (such as nifedipine), benzothiazepines (such as
diltiazem), and phenylethylamines (such as verapamil). The agents
in each subclass vary in the degree to which they cause vasodilatation, decrease myocardial contractility, and delay atrioventricular
conduction. Atrioventricular block may be induced by nondihydropyridines. Nifedipine and amlodipine produce the most
marked peripheral arterial vasodilatation, whereas diltiazem has
the least vasodilatory effect. All subclasses cause similar coronary
vasodilatation. Therefore, calcium channel blockers are the preferred drugs in vasospastic angina. Diltiazem and verapamil show
similar efficacy in relieving symptoms and appear equivalent to
b-blockers.97,98
The effect on prognosis of calcium channel blockers in
NSTE-ACS patients has only been investigated in smaller randomized trials. Most of the data collected with dihydropyridines derive
from trials with nifedipine. None showed significant benefit in
either MI or post-MI secondary prevention, but a trend for
harm, with the Holland Interuniversity Nifedipine/Metoprolol
Trial (HINT) stopped early because of an excess of reinfarctions
with nifedipine compared with metoprolol.88 In contrast, the
Danish Study Group on Verapamil in Myocardial Infarction Trial
5. Treatment
ESC Guidelines
3013
ESC Guidelines
Recommendations for anti-ischaemic drugs

Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
Oral or intravenous nitrate

treatment is indicated to
relieve angina; intravenous
nitrate treatment is
recommended in patients with
recurrent angina and/or signs
of heart failure.
Patients on chronic -blocker

therapy admitted with ACS
should be continued on
-blocker therapy if not in
Killip class III.
91
Oral -blocker treatment is

indicated in all patients with LV
dysfunction (see Section 5.5.5)
without contraindications.
86, 90 , 91
Calcium channel blockers

are recommended for
symptom relief in patients
already receiving nitrates and
-blockers (dihydropyridines
type), and in patients
with contraindications to
-blockade (benzothiazepine
or phenylethylamine type).
88
Calcium channel blockers are

recommended in patients with
vasospastic angina.
Intravenous -blocker
treatment at the time
of admission should be
considered for patients
in a stable haemodynamic
condition (Killip class <III)
with hypertension and/or
tachycardia.
IIa
93
Nifedipine, or other
dihydropyridines, are not
recommended unless
combined with -blockers.
III
88
the primary pacemaker current in the sinus node and may be used
in selected patients with b-blocker contraindications.102
Ranolazine exerts antianginal effects by inhibiting the late sodium
current. It was not effective in reducing major cardiovascular
events in the Metabolic Efficiency With Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (MERLIN)TIMI 36 study, but reduced the rate of recurrent ischaemia.103
5.2 Antiplatelet agents
Level of evidence.
References.
ACS acute coronary syndrome; LV left ventricular.
b
c
(DAVIT)-I and DAVIT-II studies with verapamil, taken together,

showed significant reductions in sudden death, reinfarction, and
total mortality, with the largest benefit observed in patients with
preserved LV function.99 Similar trends were seen in studies with
diltiazem.100 Unlike b-blockers, there seems to be no class effect
with calcium channel antagonists.
Other antianginal drugs
Nicorandil, a potassium channel opener, reduced the rate of the
primary composite endpoint in patients with stable angina, but
was never tested in ACS patients.101 Ivabradine selectively inhibits
5.2.1 Aspirin
Based on studies performed 30 years ago, aspirin reduces the incidence of recurrent MI or death in patients with what was then
called unstable angina [odds ratio (OR) 0.47; CI 0.370.61;
P , 0.001].104 106 A loading dose of chewed, plain aspirin
between 150 and 300 mg is recommended.107 I.v. aspirin is an
alternative mode of application, but has not been investigated in
trials and is not available everywhere. A daily maintenance dose
of 75 100 mg has the same efficacy as higher doses and carries
a lower risk of gastrointestinal intolerance,108 which may require
drug discontinuation in up to 1% of patients. Allergic responses
to aspirin (anaphylactic shock, skin rash, and asthmatic reactions)
are rare (,0.5%). Desensitization is an option in selected patients.
Since aspirin reliably inhibits COX-1, no monitoring of its effects
is required unless a diagnosis of non-compliance is likely to aid
management. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
such as ibuprofen may reversibly block COX-1 and prevent irreversible inhibition by aspirin as well as causing potentially prothrombotic effects via COX-2 inhibition. Consequently NSAIDs
may increase the risk of ischaemic events and should be avoided.109
Platelet activation and subsequent aggregation play a dominant role

in the propagation of arterial thrombosis and consequently are the
key therapeutic targets in the management of ACS. Antiplatelet
therapy should be instituted as early as possible when the diagnosis
of NSTE-ACS is made in order to reduce the risk of both acute
ischaemic complications and recurrent atherothrombotic events.
Platelets can be inhibited by three classes of drugs, each of
which has a distinct mechanism of action.
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) targets cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1),
inhibiting thromboxane A2 formation and inducing a functional permanent inhibition in platelets. However, additional complementary
platelet aggregation pathways must be inhibited to ensure effective
treatment and prevention of coronary thrombosis. ADP binding to
the platelet P2Y12 receptor plays an important role in platelet activation and aggregation, amplifying the initial platelet response to
vascular damage. The antagonists of the P2Y12 receptor are
major therapeutic tools in ACS. The prodrug thienopyridines
such as clopidogrel and prasugrel are actively biotransformed
into molecules that bind irreversibly to the P2Y12 receptor. A
new class of drug is the pyrimidine derivative ticagrelor, which
without biotransformation binds reversibly to the P2Y12 receptor,
antagonizing ADP signalling and platelet activation. I.v. GP IIb/IIIa
receptor antagonists (abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban) target
the final common pathway of platelet aggregation.
3014
17 263 patients (of whom 63.1% had NSTE-ACS) undergoing

PCI demonstrated a reduction in the combined primary endpoint
of cardiovascular death/MI/stroke of 3.9% vs. 4.5% (HR 0.86; 95%
CI 0.74 0.99; P 0.039) driven by a reduction in MI rate with
the higher dose regimen (2.0% vs. 2.6%; HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56
0.87; P 0.001). The rate of stent thrombosis [according to the
Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definition] was reduced
significantly, irrespective of the nature of the stent, for definite
or probable stent thrombosis (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56 0.87;
P 0.001) and for definite stent thrombosis (HR 0.54; 95% CI
0.390.74; P 0.0001). CURRENT-defined major bleeding was
more common with double-dose clopidogrel than with the
standard dose (1.6% vs. 1.1%; HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.09 1.83;
P 0.009). However, the rates of TIMI major bleeding did not
differ significantly between groups (1.0% vs. 0.7%; HR 1.36; 95%
CI 0.971.90; P 0.074). There was no significant excess risk of
fatal or intracranial bleeding or of CABG-related bleeding with
the higher dose regimen of clopidogrel. There was no heterogeneity between results for STEMI and NSTE-ACS patients. The
primary composite endpoint was reduced to the same extent in
both subgroups (STEMI, 4.2% vs. 5.0%; HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.66
1.05; P 0.117; NSTE-ACS, 3.6% vs. 4.2%; HR 0.87; 95% CI
0.721.06; P 0.167).108
There is wide variability in the pharmacodynamic response to
clopidogrel linked to several factors, including genotype polymorphisms. Clopidogrel is converted to its active metabolite
through two steps in the liver, which are dependent on cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes including CYP3A4 and
CYP2C19. In addition, clopidogrel (and prasugrel) absorption is
regulated by P-glycoprotein (encoded by ABCB1), which is an
ATP-dependent efflux pump that transports various molecules
across extracellular and intracellular membranes. It is expressed,
among other places, on intestinal epithelial cells, where increased
expression or function can affect the bioavailability of drugs that
are substrates. As a result, the efficiency of active metabolite
formation varies widely between individuals and is influenced
(among other factors such as age, diabetic status, and renal function) by genetic variations that affect P-glycoprotein, and
CYP2C19 function.118 ABCB1 and CYP2C19 single nucleotide
polymorphisms with partial or total loss of function were shown
to be associated with reduced inhibition of platelet aggregation
and increased risk of cardiovascular events, although contradictory
reports have been published on this issue.119,120 While genetic
testing is not routine in clinical practice, efforts have been made
to identify poor responders to clopidogrel by ex vivo platelet function assays.121 High levels of platelet reactivity after clopidogrel
administration were shown to be associated with increased risk
of stent thrombosis and other ischaemic events.122,123 However,
the clinical role of platelet function testing remains ill defined. In
the only randomized trial testing dose adaptation of clopidogrel
according to residual platelet reactivity, no clinical advantage was
achieved by increasing the dose of clopidogrel in patients with a
low response despite a modest increase in platelet inhibition.124
Several trials currently under way may clarify the impact of adapting therapy on the basis of the results of platelet reactivity assays,
but, so far, the routine clinical use of platelet function tests in
clopidogrel-treated patients with ACS cannot be recommended.
5.2.2 P2Y12 receptor inhibitors

5.2.2.1 Clopidogrel
An overview of the P2Y12 receptor inhibitors is given in Table 7.
Ticlopidine was the first thienopyridine investigated in ACS, but
was replaced by clopidogrel because of side effects. Today ticlopidine may still be used in patients who are allergic to clopidogrel,
although cross-reactions are possible. In the Clopidogrel in
Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events (CURE) trial, a clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate 300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg
daily maintenance for 912 months in addition to aspirin reduced
the incidence of cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI or stroke
compared with aspirin alone (9.3% vs. 11.4%; RR 0.80; 95% CI
0.72 0.90; P , 0.001) in patients with NSTE-ACS associated
with elevated cardiac markers or ST-segment depression on
ECG or age .60 years with prior CAD history.110 The risk
reduction was significant for MI, and there was a trend towards
reduction in rates of cardiovascular death and stroke. The
benefit was consistent across all risk groups, and among all
subsets of patients (elderly, ST-segment deviation, with or
without elevated cardiac biomarkers, with or without PCI, diabetic
patients). The benefit was consistent during the first 30 days, as
well as the following 11 months.111 There may be a rebound of
events after cessation of clopidogrel, particularly in conservatively
treated patients.112 However, there is no solid evidence to support
treatment beyond 12 months.
An increase in the rate of major bleeding events was observed
with clopidogrel (3.7% vs. 2.7%; RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.131.67;
P 0.001), but with a non-significant increase in life-threatening
and fatal bleeds.110 However, in the entire cohort, including
patients submitted to revascularization by either PCI or CABG,
the benefit of clopidogrel treatment outweighed the risk of bleeding. Treating 1000 patients resulted in 21 fewer cardiovascular
deaths, MIs, or strokes, at the cost of an excess of seven patients
requiring transfusion and a trend for four patients to experience
life-threatening bleeds.113
The 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel has a more rapid onset
of action and more potent inhibitory effect than the 300 mg
dose.114,115 A 150 mg daily maintenance dose of clopidogrel also
achieves a slightly greater and more consistent inhibitory effect
compared with the 75 mg dose.116 In the CURRENT/Optimal
Antiplatelet Strategy for Interventions (CURRENT-OASIS)117
trial, clopidogrel given as a 600 mg loading dose followed by
150 mg daily for 7 days and 75 mg daily thereafter was compared
with the conventional doses in patients with STEMI or NSTE-ACS.
Either ECG changes compatible with ischaemia or elevated levels
of cardiac biomarkers were required for eligibility. Coronary angiography, with a plan to perform PCI, had to be carried out as early
as possible, but no later than 72 h after randomization. Overall, the
higher dose regimen was no more effective than the conventional
dose regimen, with a similar 30 day rate of the composite endpoint
of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke [4.2% vs, 4.4%, respectively;
hazard ratio (HR) 0.94; 0.83 1.06; P 0.30], but was associated
with increased 30 day rates of major bleeding as assessed by
either CURRENT criteria (2.5% vs. 2.0%; HR 1.24; 1.051.46;
P 0.01) or TIMI criteria (1.7% vs. 1.3%; HR 1.26; 1.031.54;
P 0.03), and the need for blood transfusion (2.2% vs. 1.7%; HR
1.28; 1.07 1.54; P 0.01). A pre-specified subgroup analysis of
ESC Guidelines
3015
ESC Guidelines
Table 7
Overview of P2Y12 studies

Trial
Cure
(2001)
110
Population
12 562
NSTE-ACS
Clopidogrel
75 mg
(300 mg loading)
vs. placebo
CV death, MI, CVA

Clopidogrel 9.3%
Placebo 11.4%
(P < 0.001)
ARR 2.1%;
RRR 20%; NNT 48
CV death, MI, or
urgent TVR in
30 days
Clopidogrel 4.5%
Placebo 6.4%
ARR 1.9%;
RRR 30%; NNT 53
CV death, MI, CVA
Prasugrel 9.9%
Clopidogrel 12.1%
(P < 0.001)
ARR 2.2%;
RRR 27%;
NNT 45
Like CURE
(after PCI
clopidogrel in
both groups for
1 month)
TRITON130 13 608
(2007)
undergoing
PCI
NSTE-ACS
74%
STEMI 26%
Prasugrel 10 mg
(60 mg loading)
vs. clopidogrel
75 mg
(300 loading)
PLATO
planned
invasive
strategy133
(2010)
Mortality
MI
CV causes
Clopidogrel 5.1%
Placebo 5.5%
(P = NS)
Clopidogrel
5.2%
Placebo 6.7%
(P not given)
Stent
thrombosis a
Bleeding
Clopidogrel Not given

1.2%
Placebo
1.4%
(P not
given)
Not given
Not given
Major bleedingb
Clopidogrel 3.7%
Placebo 2.7%
(P = 0.001)
NNH: 100
Prasugrel
7.3%
Clopidogrel
9.5%
(P < 0.001)
Prasugrel
1.0%
Clopidogrel
1.0%
(P = 0.93)
Ticagrelor
5.8%
Clopidogrel
6.9%
(P = 0.005)
Ticagrelor See below

1.5%
Clopidogrel
1.3%
(P = 0.22)
NonCABG-related
major bleedingd:
Prasugrel 2.4%
Clopidogrel 1.8%
(P = 0.03)
NNH: 167
CABG-related major
bleeding Prasugrel
13.4%
Clopidogrel 3.2%
(P < 0.001)
NNH: 10 (CABG)
Major bleedinge
Ticagrelor 11.6%
Clopidogrel 11.2%
(P = 0.43)
NNH: NA
Non-CABG bleeding
Ticagrelor 4.5%
Clopidogrel 3.8%
(P = 0.03)
NNH: 143 (not
undergoing CABG)
Major bleedinge
Ticagrelor 11.6%
Clopidogrel 11.5%
NNH: NA
Clopidogrelc 2.4% Clopidogrelc

Placebo 2.3%
4.5%
(P = NS)
Placebo 6.4%
(P not given)
CV causes
Prasugrel 2.1%
Clopidogrel 2.4%
(P = 0.31)
CVA
Prasugrel 1.1%
Clopidogrel
2.4%
(P < 0.001)
Any cause
Prasugrel 3.0%
Clopidogrel 3.2%
(P = 0.64)
Major bleedingb
Clopidogrel 2.7%
Placebo 2.5%
(P = 0.69)
18 624
NSTE-ACS:
59%
STEMI: 38%
(invasive and
non-invasive)
Ticagrelor
90 mg b.i.d.
(180 mg loading)
vs. clopidogrel
75 mg
(300600 mg
loading)
Death from
vascular causes,
MI, CVA
Ticagrelor 9.8%
Clopidogrel 11.7%
(P < 0.001)
ARR 1.9%; RRR
16%; NNT 53
Vascular causes
Ticagrelor 4.0%
Clopidogrel 5.1%
(P = 0.001)
13 408
(invasive
strategy)
Like PLATO
Death from
vascular causes,
MI, CVA
Ticagrelor 9.0%
Clopidogrel 10.7%
(P = 0.0025)
ARR 1.7%;
RRR 16%; NNT 59
CV death, MI, CVA
(at 30 days)
Double 4.2%
Standard 4.4%
(P = 0.30)
CV death
Ticagrelor 3.4%
Clopidogrel 4.3%
(P = 0.025)
Any cause
Ticagrelor 3.9%
Clopidogrel 5.0%
(P = 0.010)
CV death
Double 2.1%
Standard 2.2%
All-cause
mortality
Double 2.3%
Standard 2.4%
Ticagrelor
5.3%
Clopidogrel
6.6%
(P = 0.0023)
Ticagrelor
1.2%
Clopidogrel
1.1%
(P = 0.65)
Ticagrelor
2.2%
Clopidogrel
3.0%
(P = 0.014)
Double 1.9%
Standard
2.2%
(P = 0.09)
Double
0.5%
Standard
0.5%
(P = 0.95)
Not given
Major bleedingg
Double 2.5%
Standard 2.0%
(P = 0.01)
NNH: 200
CV death, MI, CVA

(at 30 days)
Double 3.9%
Standard 4.5%
(P = 0.039)
ARR 0.6%;RRR
14%; NNT 167
CV death
Double 1.9%
Standard 1.9%
All-cause
mortality
Double 1.9%
Standard 2.1%
Double 2.0%
Standard
2.6%
(P = 0.018)
Double
0.4%
Standard
0.4%
(P = 0.56)
Absolute
figures not
given
(31% RRR with
double-dose
vs. standard
dose)
Major bleedingg
Double 1.6%
Standard 1.1%
(P = 0.009)
NNH: 200
NSTE-ACS
50.9%
STEMI 49.1%
CURRENT 25 086
OASIS 7117 (invasive
(2010)
strategy)
NSTE-ACS
63%
STEMI 37%
CURRENT 17 263
undergoing
PCI108
(2010)
PCI, 95%
stents
NSTE-ACS
63%
STEMI 37%
Clopidogrel
double dose
(600 mg loading,
150 mg day 27,
then 75 mg) vs.
standard dose
75 mg
(150 mg loading)
Like CURRENT
Any cause
Ticagrelor 4.5%
Clopidogrel 5.9%
(P < 0.001)
ARC probable or definite.

CURE definition.
c
Figures to end of follow-up (not just to day 30 as primary endpoint).
d
TIMI criteria.
e
PLATO criteria.
f
Only double-blind component of trial included (i.e. high vs. low dose clopidogrel).
g
CURRENT criteria.
ARC Academic Research Consortium; ARR absolute risk reduction; b.i.d. twice daily; CABG coronary artery bypass grafting; CV cardiovascular; CVA
cerebrovascular accident; MI myocardial infarction; NA not applicable; NNH numbers needed to harm; NNT numbers needed to treat; NS not significant;
NSTE-ACS non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome; PCI percutaneous coronary intervention; RRR relative risk reduction; STEMI ST-segment elevation myocardial
infarction; TVR target vessel revascularization.
b
Primary
endpoint
PCI Cure146 2658

(2001)
NSTE-ACS
undergoing
PCI
PLATO132
(2009)
Comparison
3016
Proton pump inhibitors that inhibit CYP2C19, particularly omeprazole, decrease clopidogrel-induced platelet inhibition ex vivo,
but there is currently no conclusive clinical evidence that
co-administration of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors
increases the risk of ischaemic events.125,126 One randomized
trial (prematurely interrupted for lack of funding) tested routine
omeprazole combined with clopidogrel vs. clopidogrel alone in
patients with an indication for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)
for 12 months, including post-PCI patients, ACS, or other indications. No increase in ischaemic event rates but a reduced rate
of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was observed with omeprazole.127 However, the ischaemic event rate in this study was low
and it is uncertain whether omeprazole may reduce the efficacy
of clopidogrel in higher risk settings. Strong inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole) or inducers (e.g. rifampicin) of CYP3A4 can significantly
reduce or increase, respectively, the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel, but are rarely used in NSTE-ACS patients.
5.2.2.2 Prasugrel
Prasugrel requires two metabolic steps for formation of its active
metabolite, which is chemically similar to the active metabolite
of clopidogrel.119 The first metabolic step requires only plasma
esterases; the second step, in the liver, is mediated by CYP
enzymes. Consequently prasugrel produces more rapid and consistent platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel.128 Response
to prasugrel does not appear to be affected significantly by CYP
inhibitors, including proton pump inhibitors, or loss-of-function
variants of the CYP2C19 gene; nor is it affected by reduced
ABCB1 function.129
In the TRial to Assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by
Optimizing Platelet InhibitioN with PrasugrelThrombolysis In
Myocardial Infarction (TRITON-TIMI) 38 trial, a prasugrel 60 mg
loading dose followed by 10 mg daily was compared with a clopidogrel 300 mg loading dose and then 75 mg daily in clopidogrel-nave
patients undergoing PCI, either primary PCI for STEMI or for
recent STEMI, or moderate to high risk NSTE-ACS once coronary
angiography had been performed.130 Patients with NSTE-ACS
treated conservatively were not included in this study. Patients
with NSTE-ACS were eligible if they had had ischaemic symptoms
within 72 h, a TIMI risk score 3, and either ST-segment deviation
1 mm or elevated levels of a cardiac biomarker. In the
NSTE-ACS cohort (10 074 patients), study medication could be
administered between identifying coronary anatomy suitable for
PCI and 1 h after leaving the catheterization laboratory. The composite primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, or stroke)
occurred in 11.2% of clopidogrel-treated patients and in 9.3% of
prasugrel-treated patients (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.730.93; P
0.002), mostly driven by a significant risk reduction for MI (from
9.2% to 7.1%; RRR 23.9%; 95% CI 12.733.7; P ,0.001).130 There
was no difference in the rates of either non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular death. In the whole cohort, the rate of definite or probable
stent thrombosis (as defined by the ARC) was significantly
reduced in the prasugrel group compared with the clopidogrel

group (1.1% vs. 2.4%, respectively; HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.36 0.64;
P , 0.001). The corresponding figures for NSTE-ACS patients are
not available.
In the whole cohort, there was a significant increase in the rate
of non-CABG-related TIMI major bleeding (2.4% vs. 1.8%; HR 1.32;
95% CI 1.031.68; P 0.03), mostly driven by a significant
increase in spontaneous bleeds (1.6% vs. 1.1%; HR 1.51; 95% CI
1.092.08; P 0.01), but not by bleeding related to arterial
access (0.7% vs. 0.6%; HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.77 1.82; P 0.45),
which means that long-term exposure to a potent antiplatelet
agent is the determinant of bleeding. Life-threatening bleeding
was significantly increased under prasugrel, with 1.4% vs. 0.9%
(HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.08 2.13; P 0.01), as well as fatal bleeding,
with 0.4% vs. 0.1% (HR 4.19; 95% CI 1.58 11.11; P 0.002)
with prasugrel compared with clopidogrel. There was evidence
of net harm with prasugrel in patients with a history of cerebrovascular events.130 In addition, there was no apparent net clinical
benefit in patients .75 years of age and in patients with low
body weight (,60 kg). Greater benefit without increased risk of
bleeding was observed in diabetic patients. There was no difference in efficacy in patients with (CrCl ,60 mL/min) or without
(CrCl .60 mL/min) renal impairment.
Adverse effects of prasugrel. The rate of other adverse effects in the
TRITON study was similar with prasugrel and clopidogrel. Thrombocytopenia occurred at the same frequency in each group (0.3%)
while neutropenia was less common with prasugrel (,0.1% vs.
0.2%; P 0.02).
5.2.2.3 Ticagrelor
Ticagrelor belongs to a novel chemical class, cyclopentyltriazolopyrimidine, and is an oral, reversibly binding P2Y12 inhibitor
with a plasma half-life of !12 h. The level of P2Y12 inhibition is
determined by the plasma ticagrelor level and, to a lesser extent,
an active metabolite. Like prasugrel, it has a more rapid and consistent onset of action compared with clopidogrel, but additionally
it has a quicker offset of action so that recovery of platelet function
is faster (Table 8).131 Ticagrelor increases levels of drugs metabolized through CYP3A, such as simvastatin, whilst moderate
CYP3A inhibitors such as diltiazem increase the levels and
reduce the speed of offset of the effect of ticagrelor.
In the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial,
patients with either moderate to high risk NSTE-ACS (planned for
either conservative or invasive management) or STEMI planned for
primary PCI were randomized to either clopidogrel 75 mg daily,
with a loading dose of 300 mg, or ticagrelor 180 mg loading dose
followed by 90 mg twice daily.132 Patients undergoing PCI were
allowed to receive an additional blinded 300 mg loading dose of
clopidogrel (total loading dose 600 mg) or its placebo, and also
were recommended to receive an additional 90 mg of ticagrelor
(or its placebo) if .24 h after the initial loading dose. Treatment
was continued for up to 12 months, with a minimum intended
treatment duration of 6 months, and a median duration of study
drug exposure of 9 months.132 In total, 11 067 patients had a
final diagnosis of NSTEMI or unstable angina. NSTE-ACS patients
were required to have symptom onset within the previous 24 h
and at least two of the following inclusion criteria: elevated
Adverse effects of clopidogrel. In addition to bleeding, gastrointestinal

disturbances (diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort) and rash are
occasional adverse effects of clopidogrel. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and blood dyscrasias occur rarely. Clopidogrel
desensitization is an option to treat clopidogrel allergy.
ESC Guidelines
3017
ESC Guidelines
Table 8
P2Y12 inhibitors
Clopidogrel
Ticagrelor
Class
Thienopyridine Thienopyridine Triazolopyrimidine
Reversibility
Irreversible
Activation
Prodrug,
Prodrug, not
limited by
limited by
metabolization metabolization
Active drug
Onset of
effect a
24 h
30 min
30 min
Duration of
effect
310 days
510 days
34 days
Withdrawal
before major
surgery
5 days
7 days
5 days
Irreversible
Reversible
50% inhibition of platelet aggregation.
biomarkers of myocardial necrosis; ischaemic ST-segment changes;

and a clinical characteristic associated with increased risk (i.e. age
60 years, previous MI or CABG, CAD with lesions 50% in at
least two vessels, previously documented cerebrovascular
disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, or chronic
renal dysfunction). In the overall cohort, the primary composite
efficacy endpoint (death from vascular causes, MI, or stroke) was
reduced from 11.7% in the clopidogrel group to 9.8% in the
ticagrelor group (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.770.92; P ,0.001). According to the pre-defined statistical analysis plan, death from vascular
causes was significantly reduced from 5.1% to 4.0%, respectively
(HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.690.91; P 0.001), and MI from 6.9% to
5.8% (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.750.95; P 0.005). There was no significant difference in the rates of stroke (1.3% vs. 1.5%; P 0.22). The
rate of definite stent thrombosis was reduced from 1.9% to 1.3%
(P , 0.01) and total mortality from 5.9% to 4.5% (P , 0.001).
Overall there was no significant difference in PLATO-defined
major bleeding rates between the clopidogrel and ticagrelor
groups (11.2% vs. 11.6%, respectively; P 0.43). Major bleeding
unrelated to CABG surgery was increased from 3.8% in the clopidogrel group to 4.5% in the ticagrelor group (HR 1.19; 95% CI
1.021.38; P 0.03). Major bleeding related to CABG surgery
was similar with ticagrelor and clopidogrel (7.4% vs. 7.9%, respectively; P 0.32). Minor bleeding was increased with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel. There was no difference in the overall rates
of fatal haemorrhage between the groups (0.3% in both groups)
despite a higher rate of fatal intracranial haemorrhage in the ticagrelor group. Those patients with a positive initial troponin had a
significant reduction in the primary endpoint with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel (10.3% vs. 12.3%, HR 0.85, CI 0.770.94) in
contrast to patients with negative initial troponin (7.0% vs. 7.0%),
as did those with a final diagnosis of NSTEMI (11.4% vs. 13.9%;
HR 0.83, CI 0.730.94) compared with those with a final diagnosis
of unstable angina (8.6% vs. 9.1% respectively; HR 0.96, CI 0.75
1.22). While reduction in stent thrombosis rates by ticagrelor
Adverse effects of ticagrelor. In addition to increased rates of minor

or non-CABG-related major bleeding with ticagrelor, adverse
effects include dyspnoea, increased frequency of ventricular
pauses, and asymptomatic increases in uric acid.132,135,136 The dyspnoea induced by ticagrelor occurs most frequently (up to 15%)
within the first week of treatment and may be transient or
persist until cessation of treatment, but only infrequently is it
severe enough to cause discontinuation of treatment.132,137 The
dyspnoea does not appear to be associated with any deterioration
in cardiac or pulmonary function.137 Ventricular pauses associated
with ticagrelor mostly consist of asymptomatic nocturnal sinoatrial
pauses; caution is advised in patients with either advanced sinoatrial disease or second- or third-degree atrioventricular block,
unless already treated by permanent pacemaker. The mechanism
for the dyspnoea and ventricular pauses is uncertain.137 A slightly
greater increase in serum creatinine was seen in the PLATO trial
with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel, but the difference
was no longer apparent 1 month after cessation of treatment.132
Rates of gastrointestinal disturbance and rash are similar with
ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel.136
5.2.2.4 Withholding P2Y12 inhibitors for surgery
DAPT should be initiated early in NSTE-ACS patients as the
benefit outweighs the risk in all patients. It has been argued that
thienopyridines should be withheld prior to angiography because
of a possible need for CABG. Several older studies suggested an
increased risk of major bleeding among patients receiving clopidogrel before CABG. In the CURE trial the median time to CABG
was 26 days and was on average 12 days for hospitalized
patients.113 The decision to withhold clopidogrel was left to
local practice. The benefit of clopidogrel over placebo in reducing
risk of ischaemic events was predominantly before surgery (RR
0.82, 95% CI 0.58 1.16) compared with after CABG (RR 0.97,
95% CI 0.751.26). Major bleeding rates were higher with clopidogrel (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.961.69), but appeared to be diminished if
clopidogrel was withheld for 5 days prior to CABG. Subsequent
observational studies have shown a significantly higher rate of
blood transfusion and reoperation, but not mortality, if clopidogrel
was given within 5 days prior to CABG.138 140 In the ACUITY
study 1539 patients underwent CABG, 50.9% of whom received
clopidogrel before surgery. Clopidogrel-exposed patients had a
prolonged hospitalization (12.0 days vs. 8.9 days, P 0.0001) but
fewer ischaemic events (death, MI, or unplanned revascularization)
Prasugrel
were seen early,133 most of the benefit in terms of reduced MI

and death accrued progressively over 12 months, with continued
separation of event curves at 12 months.132
Ticagrelor reduced early and late mortality following CABG. In
1261 patients who underwent CABG and were on study drug
treatment for ,7 days before surgery, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 10.6% with ticagrelor vs. 13.1% with clopidogrel
(HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.601.16; P 0.29). Total mortality was
reduced by ticagrelor from 9.7% to 4.7% (HR 0.49; CI 0.32
0.77; P ,0.01), cardiovascular death from 7.9% to 4.1% (HR
0.52; 95% CI 0.320.85; P ,0.01), and non-cardiovascular death
from 2.0% to 0.7% (P 0.07). There was no significant difference
in CABG-related major bleeding rates between the two groups. As
per protocol, ticagrelor should be restarted when it is considered
safe in terms of bleeding (see below).134
3018
at 30 days (12.7% vs. 17.3%, P ,0.01), and no higher rate of
non-CABG-related major bleeding (3.4% vs. 3.2%, P 0.87) or
post-CABG major bleeding (50.3% vs. 50.9%, P 0.83) compared
with patients not administered clopidogrel before CABG. Clopidogrel use before surgery was an independent predictor of a reduced
rate of ischaemic events but not of excess bleeding.141
Factors other than the time window of administration or withdrawal of clopidogrel before CABG may play a role in the
excess bleeding. In a study of 4794 patients undergoing CABG
(elective and non-elective), the factors independently associated
with composite bleeding (reoperation for bleeding, red cell transfusion, or haematocrit drop of .15%) were baseline haematocrit
(P ,0.0001), on-pump surgery (P ,0.0001), the experience of the
surgeon performing the CABG (P 0.02), female sex (P ,0.0001),
lower CrCl (P 0.0002), presence of angina (P 0.0003), GP IIb/
IIIa receptor inhibitor treatment before CABG (P 0.0004), and
ESC Guidelines
the number of diseased vessels (P 0.002).142 The use of clopidogrel within 5 days was not associated with higher bleeding rates
once these other factors were accounted for (OR 1.23; 95% CI
0.522.10; P 0.45).
Withdrawal of clopidogrel in high risk cohorts such as those with
ongoing ischaemia in the presence of high risk anatomy (e.g. left
main or severe proximal multivessel disease) is not
recommended, and these patients should undergo CABG in the
presence of clopidogrel with special attention to reducing bleeding.143 Only in patients whose risk of bleeding is very high, such as
redo-CABG or complex CABG with valve surgery, it may be
reasonable to withhold clopidogrel for 35 days before surgery
even among patients with active ischaemia and consider bridging
strategies (see below).
In the PLATO trial, clopidogrel treatment was recommended to
be withheld for 5 days and ticagrelor for 1 3 days before CABG
Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
Aspirin should be given to all patients without contraindications at an initial loading dose of 150300 mg, and at a
maintenance dose of 75100 mg daily long-term regardless of treatment strategy.
107, 108
A P2Y12 inhibitor should be added to aspirin as soon as possible and maintained over 12 months, unless there are
contraindications such as excessive risk of bleeding.
110, 130,
132
A proton pump inhibitor (preferably not omeprazole) in combination with DAPT is recommended in patients with a
history of gastrointestinal haemorrhage or peptic ulcer, and appropriate for patients with multiple other risk factors
(H. elicobacter pylori infection, age 65 years, concurrent use of anticoagulants or steroids).
125127
Prolonged or permanent withdrawal of P2Y12 inhibitors within 12 months after the index event is discouraged unless
clinically indicated.
Ticagrelor (180-mg loading dose, 90 mg twice daily) is recommended for all patients at moderate-to-high risk of
ischaemic events (e.g. elevated troponins) , regardless of initial treatment strategy and including those pre-treated with
clopidogrel (which should be discontinued when ticagrelor is commenced).
132
Prasugrel (60-mg loading dose, 10-mg daily dose) is recommended for P2Y12-inhibitor-nave patients (especially
diabetics) in whom coronary anatomy is known and who are proceeding to PCI unless there is a high risk of lifethreatening bleeding or other contraindications.d
130
Clopidogrel (300-mg loading dose, 75-mg daily dose) is recommended for patients who cannot receive ticagrelor or
prasugrel.
110, 146,
147
A 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel (or a supplementary 300-mg dose at PCI following an initial 300-mg loading
dose) is recommended for patients scheduled for an invasive strategy when ticagrelor or prasugrel is not an option.
108, 114,
115
A higher maintenance dose of clopidogrel 150 mg daily should be considered for the first 7 days in patients managed
with PCI and without increased risk of bleeding.
IIa
108
Increasing the maintenance dose of clopidogrel based on platelet function testing is not advised as routine, but may be
considered in selected cases.
IIb
124
Genotyping and/or platelet function testing may be considered in selected cases when clopidogrel is used.
IIb
119, 121
In patients pre-treated with P2Y12 inhibitors who need to undergo non-emergent major surgery (including CABG),
postponing surgery at least for 5 days after cessation of ticagrelor or clopidogrel, and 7 days for prasugrel, if clinically
feasible and unless the patient is at high risk of ischaemic events should be considered.
IIa
Ticagrelor or clopidogrel should be considered to be (re-) started after CABG surgery as soon as considered safe.
IIa
134
The combination of aspirin with an NSAID (selective COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAID) is not
recommended.
III
Level of evidence.
c
References.
d
Prasugrel is in the Guidelines on Revascularization148 given a IIa recommendation as the overall indication including clopidogrel-pre-treated patients and/or unknown coronary
anatomy. The class I recommendation here refers to the specifically defined subgroup.
CABG coronary artery bypass graft; COX cyclo-oxygenase; DAPT dual (oral) antiplatelet therapy; NSAID non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; PCI percutaneous
coronary intervention.
b
Recommendations for oral antiplatelet agents
ESC Guidelines
surgery. In an analysis of patients receiving study medication within

7 days of CABG surgery, the rates of CABG-related major bleeding
and transfusions were no different with clopidogrel or ticagrelor.134 Although non-fatal MI and stroke rates in the two groups
were not significantly different in this cohort, there was a halving
of mortality in the ticagrelor group (4.7% vs. 9.7%; HR 0.49; 95%
CI 0.32 0.77; P ,0.01), with much of this difference occurring
early after CABG. In this analysis, 36% of patients in each group
restarted ticagrelor or clopidogrel within 7 days of surgery, 26
27% restarted after .7 days, and 37 38% did not restart this
medication.134 The optimal timing of restarting medication following CABG surgery remains uncertain.
a short half-life and reversible antiplatelet agent, e.g. the GP IIb/

IIIa receptor inhibitors tirofiban or eptifibatide, but this approach
is not yet based on evidence. DAPT should be resumed as soon
as considered safe.
5.2.3 Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
The three GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors approved for clinical use
are i.v. agents belonging to different classes: abciximab is a monoclonal antibody fragment; eptifibatide is a cyclic peptide; and tirofiban is a peptidomimetic molecule. A meta-analysis of 29 570
patients initially medically managed and planned for PCI showed
a 9% RRR in death or non-fatal MI with GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (10.7% vs. 11.5%; P 0.02).149 No reduction in death or MI
was seen in purely medically managed patients receiving GP IIb/
IIIa receptor inhibitors vs. placebo. The only significant benefit
was observed when GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were maintained
during PCI (10.5% vs. 13.6%; OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.570.96;
P 0.02). The use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors was associated
with an increase in major bleeding complications, but intracranial
bleeding was not significantly increased. Many of the older trials
with these inhibitors were carried out in the absence of clopidogrel or newer P2Y12 inhibitors.
Upstream versus procedural initiation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors
In the ACUITY Timing trial, deferred selective (only during PCI) vs.
routine upstream administration of any GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor was tested among 9207 patients in a 2 2 factorial design.150
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were used in 55.7% of patients for
13.1 h in the deferred selective strategy and in 98.3% of patients
for 18.3 h (pre-treatment median 4 h) in the routine upstream
strategy. Overall, 64% of patients received thienopyridines before
angiography or PCI. The deferred selective vs. routine upstream
strategy resulted in a lower rate of 30 day major
non-CABG-related bleeding (4.9% vs. 6.1%; RR 0.80; 95% CI
0.67 0.95; P 0.009) with no significant difference in ischaemic
event rates (7.9% vs. 7.1%; RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.971.29; P
0.13). The net clinical outcome (incorporating both the ischaemic
outcomes and major bleeding) at 30 days was similar (11.7% vs.
11.7%; RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.89 1.11; P 0.93; P-value for
non-inferiority ,0.001).
The Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Non-ST-Segment
Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (EARLY-ACS) trial randomized 9492 patients assigned to an invasive strategy to early eptifibatide or placebo with provisional use of eptifibatide after
angiography for PCI.151 The primary endpoint was a composite
of death, MI, recurrent ischaemia requiring urgent revascularization, or the occurrence of thrombotic bailout (thrombotic complication during PCI that required the use of the bailout kit) at
96 h. Among the 5559 patients who underwent PCI in the
delayed provisional eptifibatide arm, 38% received active GP IIb/
IIIa receptor inhibitor therapy. There was no significant reduction
in the primary outcome in the early vs. delayed provisional eptifibatide groups (9.3% vs. 10.0%; OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.801.06; P
0.23). There were also no significant interactions among important
subgroups and the primary endpoint, such as troponin-positive
patients or diabetic patients. The secondary endpoint of death
5.2.2.5 Withdrawal of chronic dual antiplatelet therapy

Withdrawal of antiplatelet agents may lead to an increased rate of
recurrent events.112,144 Interruption of DAPT soon after stent
implantation increases the risk of subacute stent thrombosis,
which carries a particularly adverse prognosis, with mortality
varying from 15% to 45% at 1 month. Interruption of DAPT in
the case of a necessary surgical procedure .1 month after ACS
in patients without a drug-eluting stent (DES) may be reasonable.
If interruption of DAPT becomes mandatory, such as need for
urgent surgery (e.g. neurosurgery), or major bleeding that cannot
be controlled by local treatment, no proven efficacious alternative
therapy can be proposed as a substitute. Low molecular weight
heparins (LMWHs) have been advocated, without proof of
efficacy.145
The summary of product characteristics of all three P2Y12 inhibitors stipulates that they have to be discontinued 7 days before
surgery. However, management of patients under DAPT who
are referred for surgical procedures depends on the degree of
emergency as well as the thrombotic and bleeding risks of the individual patient. Most surgical procedures can be performed under
DAPT or at least under acetylsalicylic acid alone with acceptable
rates of bleeding. A multidisciplinary approach is required (cardiologist, anaesthesiologist, haematologist, and surgeon) to determine
the patients risk and choose the best strategy.
For NSTE-ACS patients, the risk of bleeding related to surgery
must be balanced against the risk of recurrent ischaemic events
related to discontinuation of therapy, bearing in mind the nature
of the surgery, the ischaemic risk and extent of CAD, the time
since the acute episode, andfor patients who have undergone
PCIthe time since PCI, whether or not a DES was used, and
the risk of stent thrombosis. In surgical procedures with low to
moderate bleeding risk, surgeons should be encouraged to
operate with the patient on DAPT. When it is considered appropriate to have a modest degree of P2Y12 inhibition at the time of
surgery, such as is often the case early after an ACS for patients
undergoing CABG surgery, then the drugs may be discontinued
closer to the time of surgery. Under these circumstances, it is
reasonable to stop clopidogrel 5 days before surgery, or less, if a
validated platelet function testing method shows a poor response
to clopidogrel, and stop prasugrel 7 days before surgery; ticagrelor
may be discontinued 5 days before surgery. In very high risk
patients in whom cessation of antiplatelet therapy before surgery
seems to carry a high risk (e.g. within the first weeks after stent
implantation), it has been suggested to switch before surgery to
3019
3020
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is associated to varying extents with the three
approved GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (see Section 5.5.10).
Acute thrombocytopenia has been reported to occur at rates
ranging from 0.5% to 5.6% in clinical trials of parenteral GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors, rates comparable with those observed with
unfractionated (UFH) alone.153,154 Delayed thrombocytopenia
may also occur after 511 days, and both acute and delayed types
may be due to drug-dependent antibodies.155 Abciximab more
than doubles the incidence of severe thrombocytopenia in comparison with placebo. The risk is lower with eptifibatide [0.2% severe
thrombocytopenia in Platelet Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa in Unstable
Angina: Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy
(PURSUIT)]156 or tirofiban. In the Do Tirofiban and ReoPro Give
Similar Efficacy Trial (TARGET) study, thrombocytopenia developed in 2.4% of the patients treated with abciximab and in 0.5%
of those treated with tirofiban (P ,0.001).157
Comparative efficacy of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
Abciximab was tested in the setting of PCI in a head-to-head comparison vs. tirofiban in the TARGET trial, in which two-thirds of the
patients had NSTE-ACS.158 Abciximab was shown to be superior to
tirofiban in standard doses in reducing the risk of death, MI, and
urgent revascularization at 30 days, but the difference was not significant at 6 months.159 Further trials explored higher doses of tirofiban
in various clinical settings, and the results of meta-analyses suggest
that high dose bolus tirofiban (25 mg/kg followed by infusion) has
similar efficacy to abciximab.160,161 There are no comparable data
for eptifibatide.
Combination of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors with aspirin

and a P2Y12 inhibitor
Limited data are available about the benefits of adding a GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitor to the combination of aspirin with a P2Y12 inhibitor
in the setting of NSTE-ACS. In the Intracoronary Stenting and
Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary
Treatment-2 (ISAR-REACT-2) trial, 2022 high risk NSTE-ACS
patients were randomized following pre-treatment with aspirin and
600 mg of clopidogrel to either abciximab or placebo during PCI.
There were similar proportions of diabetic patients in each group
(average 26.5%); 52% of patients had elevated troponins and 24.1%
had had a previous MI. The 30 day composite endpoint of death,
MI, or urgent target vessel revascularization occurred significantly
less frequently in abciximab-treated patients vs. placebo (8.9% vs.
11.9%; RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.580.97; P 0.03). Most of the risk
reduction with abciximab resulted from a reduction in death and nonfatal MI. The effect was more pronounced in certain pre-specified
subgroups, particularly troponin-positive patients (13.1% vs. 18.3%;
HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.540.95; P 0.02). The duration of pre-treatment
with clopidogrel had no influence on outcome, and there was no
detectable treatment effect with abciximab in troponin-negative
patients or among diabetic patients. However, the number of diabetic
patients included in this trial may have been too low to provide robust
statistical power to detect any effect.
In the TRITON and PLATO trials, the rates of use of GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors were 55% and 27%, respectively. Patients receiving
a GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor in the TRITON trial had higher rates of
TIMI major and minor non-CABG bleeding, but use of a GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitor did not influence the relative risk of bleeding
with prasugrel compared with clopidogrel (P-value for interaction
0.19).162 Prasugrel reduced rates of death, MI, or stroke compared
with clopidogrel, both with (6.5% vs. 8.5%; HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64
0.90) and without (4.8% vs. 6.1%; HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.630.97) GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. In the PLATO trial, ticagrelor also
reduced rates of death, MI, or stroke in patients receiving (10.0% vs.
11.1%; HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.761.07) or not receiving (9.7% vs.
11.9%; HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.740.92) a GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor.132
Overall, it is reasonable to combine a GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with NSTE-ACS
undergoing PCI with a high risk of procedural MI and without a
high risk of bleeding.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and adjunctive anticoagulant therapy
Most trials showing benefits of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors used
an anticoagulant. Several trials in the field of NSTE-ACS, as well
as observational studies in PCI, have shown that LMWH, predominantly enoxaparin, can be safely used with GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitors without compromising efficacy, although subcutaneous
enoxaparin alone does not adequately protect against catheter
thrombosis during primary PCI, despite this combination.163 In
the Fifth Organization to Assess Strategies in Acute Ischemic Syndromes (OASIS-5) trial, GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were used
with aspirin, clopidogrel, and either fondaparinux in 1308 patients
or enoxaparin in 1273 patients.164 Overall, bleeding complications
were lower with fondaparinux than with enoxaparin (see Section
5.3). Bivalirudin and UFH/LMWH were shown to have equivalent
safety and efficacy when used with aspirin, clopidogrel, and a GP
from any cause or MI at 30 days was also similar (11.2% early vs.
12.3% delayed; OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.89 1.01; P 0.08). The same
endpoint was also examined during the medical phase of the trial
(either up to PCI or CABG, or for all the patients managed medically up to 30 days) and the 30 day estimates were similar (4.3%
early eptifibatide, vs. 4.2% placebo), suggesting no treatment
effect among patients managed medically. Major bleeding rates
were higher among patients assigned to early eptifibatide compared with delayed provisional therapy using a variety of definitions
(TIMI major bleed at 120 h, 2.6% vs. 1.8%; OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.97
1.89; P 0.015). Accordingly, this trial demonstrated no advantage
with a routine upstream use of eptifibatide in an invasive strategy
compared with a delayed provisional strategy in the setting of contemporary antithrombotic therapy, where the minority of patients
having PCI received eptifibatide in the delayed provisional arm.
Consistently among the trials is the signal for higher rates of
bleeding with upstream GP IIb/IIIa treatment. Thus it is reasonable
to withhold GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors until after angiography. In
patients undergoing PCI their use can be based on angiographic
results (e.g. presence of thrombus and extent of disease), troponin
elevation, previous treatment with a P2Y12 inhibitor, patient age,
and other factors influencing risk of serious bleeding.2,152
Upstream use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors may be considered
if there is active ongoing ischaemia among high risk patients or
where DAPT is not feasible. Patients who receive initial treatment
with eptifibatide or tirofiban before angiography should be
maintained on the same drug during and after PCI.
ESC Guidelines
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ESC Guidelines
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor in the ACUITY trial.165 The combination

of bivalirudin and a GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor results in a similar
rate of ischaemic events compared with bivalirudin alone, but is
associated with a higher rate of major bleeding events.166 Thus,
this combination cannot be recommended for routine use.
Dosing of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
The use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors in routine practice has
been explored in several registries. High rates of major bleeding
events have been observed, partly related to excess dosing.167,168
The factors associated with excess dosing included older age,
female sex, renal insufficiency, low body weight, diabetes mellitus,
and congestive heart failure. Patients that had excess dosing of GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors had an adjusted major bleeding rate that
was 30% higher compared with those where appropriate dosing
Recommendations
The choice of combination
of oral antiplatelet agents, a
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor,
and anticoagulants should be
made in relation to the risk of
ischaemic and bleeding events.
Among patients who are
already treated with DAPT,
the addition of a GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitor for high-risk
PCI (elevated troponin, visible
thrombus) is recommended if
the risk of bleeding is low.
Class a
Level b
Ref C
5.3 Anticoagulants
152, 161
Eptifibatide or tirofiban
added to aspirin should
be considered prior to
angiography in high-risk
patients not preloaded with
P2Y12 inhibitors.
IIa
In high-risk patients
eptifibatide or tirofiban may
be considered prior to early
angiography in addition to
DAPT, if there is ongoing
ischaemia and the risk of
bleeding is low.
IIb
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors

are not recommended
routinely before angiography in
an invasive treatment strategy.
III
151, 170

are not recommended for
patients on DAPT who are
treated conservatively.
III
150, 151
Anticoagulants are used in the treatment of NSTE-ACS to inhibit

thrombin generation and/or activity, thereby reducing thrombusrelated events. There is evidence that anticoagulation is effective
in addition to platelet inhibition and that the combination of the
two is more effective than either treatment alone.171,172 Several
anticoagulants, which act at different levels of the coagulation
cascade, have been investigated or are under investigation in
NSTE-ACS:
Indirect inhibitors of coagulation (need antithrombin for their
full action)
Indirect thrombin inhibitors: UFH
LMWHs
Indirect factor Xa inhibitors: LMWHs
fondaparinux
Direct inhibitors of coagulation
Direct factor Xa inhibitors: apixaban, rivaroxaban, otamixaban
Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs): bivalirudin, dabigatran
Level of evidence.
c
References.
DAPT dual (oral) antiplatelet therapy; GP glycoprotein; PCI percutaneous
b
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors and coronary artery bypass

graft surgery
Patients undergoing CABG surgery whilst receiving GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors require appropriate measures to ensure adequate haemostasis and discontinuation of GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitors before or, if not feasible, at the time of surgery. Eptifibatide and tirofiban have a short half-life (!2 h), so platelet function
due to reversible receptor binding can recover by the end of
CABG surgery. Abciximab has a short plasma half-life (10 min)
but dissociates slowly from the platelet, with a half-life of !4 h,
so that recovery of platelet aggregation responses to normal or
near-normal takes !48 h after the infusion has been terminated
(although receptor-bound abciximab can be detected for much
longer). If excessive bleeding occurs, fresh platelet transfusions
may be administered (see Section 5.5.9). Fibrinogen supplementation with fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate either alone
or in combination with platelet transfusion can also be considered
for managing major haemorrhagic complications associated with
the administration of tirofiban and eptifibatide.169
For a review of anticoagulants and their action on the coagulation

cascade see Figure 3. More detailed information about anticoagulants can be found elsewhere.171
5.3.1 Indirect inhibitors of the coagulation cascade
5.3.1.1 Fondaparinux
The only selective activated factor X (factor Xa) inhibitor available
for clinical use is fondaparinux, a synthetic pentasaccharide structurally similar to the antithrombin-binding sequence common to all
forms of heparin. It inhibits coagulation factor Xa by binding reversibly and non-covalently to antithrombin, with a high affinity. It
catalyses antithrombin-mediated inhibition of factor Xa, thereby
preventing thrombin generation. Fondaparinux increases the
Recommendations for GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
was used. Thus, bleeding event rates observed in clinical trials may
be an under-representation of what happens in the real world
where patients tend to have more frequent co-morbidities.
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ESC Guidelines
2.5 mg dose was shown to be at least as efficacious and as safe

as higher doses. Fondaparinux was also tested in the setting of
elective or urgent PCI at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg, given i.v. No significant difference in efficacy and safety was observed between the
2.5 and 5 mg doses, and between the two fondaparinux doses and
the UFH control group176; however, with only 350 patients
included, the study lacked statistical power. Abrupt vessel
closure and unexpected angiographic thrombus tended to occur
more frequently in the two fondaparinux groups compared with
the UFH group (2.5% and 5.1%, respectively, for the 2.5 mg fondaparinux dose and 0% and 4.3% for the 5.0 mg fondaparinux dose
vs. 0.9% and 0.9% for the UFH control group).176
In the OASIS-5 study, 20 078 patients with NSTE-ACS were
randomized to receive 2.5 mg of subcutaneous fondaparinux
once daily or subcutaneous enoxaparin 1 mg/kg twice daily for 8
days maximum (average 5.2 vs. 5.4 days, respectively).175 The
primary efficacy outcome of death, MI, or refractory ischaemia at
9 days was 5.7% for enoxaparin vs. 5.8% for fondaparinux (HR
1.01; 95% CI 0.901.13), fulfilling the criteria for non-inferiority.
At the same point, major bleeds were halved with fondaparinux:
2.2% compared with 4.1% with enoxaparin (HR 0.52; 95% CI
Targets for antithrombics
Antiplatelet
Anticoagulation
Tissue Factor
Collagen
Aspirin
Plasma clotting
cascade
Fondaparinux
Prothrombin
LMWH
Heparin
AT
ADP
Thromboxane A2
Clopidogrel
Prasugrel
Ticagrelor
Conformational
activation of GPIIb/IIIa
Factor
Xa
GPIIb/IIIa
inhibitors
AT
Thrombin
Platelet
aggregation
Bivalirudin
Fibrinogen
Fibrin
Thrombus
Figure 3 Targets for antithrombotic drugs. AT antithrombin; GP glycoprotein; LMWH low molecular weight heparin.
ability of antithrombin to inhibit factor Xa 300-fold. The inhibition

of 1 U of factor Xa prevents the production of 50 U of thrombin.
Fondaparinux has 100% bioavailability after subcutaneous injection, with an elimination half-life of 17 h, and can therefore be given
once daily. It is eliminated mainly by the kidneys, and is contraindicated if CrCl is ,20 mL/min. Fondaparinux is insensitive to inactivation by platelet-released heparin neutralization proteins. No
definite case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) has
been reported with this drug, even after extensive use in the
setting of prevention and treatment of venous thrombo-embolism
(VTE). Therefore, monitoring of the platelet count is not necessary. No dose adjustment and no monitoring of anti-Xa activity
are required. Fondaparinux has no significant influence on the
usual variables that monitor anticoagulant activity, such as activated
partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), activated clotting time (ACT),
prothrombin, and thrombin times.
In ACS, a 2.5 mg fixed daily dose of fondaparinux is recommended. This dose was selected on the basis of the results of
Pentasaccharide in Unstable Angina (PENTUA), a dose-ranging
study of fondaparinux, and further tested in two large phase III
trials (OASIS-5 and OASIS-6).173 175 In the PENTUA study, the
ESC Guidelines
rate of major bleeding was not significantly different between the

two groups (1.2% vs. 1.4% standard vs. low dose groups), and
was similar to that observed in patients submitted to PCI in the
fondaparinux arm of the OASIS-5 trial (1.5% at 48 h, same bleeding
definition). Minor bleeding events were less frequent in the low
dose group (0.7% vs. 1.7%, low vs. standard dose; OR 0.40; 95%
CI 0.160.97; P 0.04). The net clinical benefit (major bleeding
at 48 h or target vessel revascularization at 30 days) favoured
the standard dose group (5.8% vs. 3.9%, low vs. standard dose;
OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.002.28; P 0.05). The secondary endpoint
of death, MI, or target vessel revascularization also favoured the
standard dose group (4.5% vs. 2.9%, low vs. standard dose
group; OR 1.58; 95% CI 0.982.53; P 0.06). Catheter thrombus
was rare (0.5% in the low dose group and 0.1% in the standard
dose group, P 0.15). The practical implications of these data
are that a standard UFH bolus should be recommended at the
time of PCI in patients pre-treated with fondaparinux on the
basis of a more favourable net clinical benefit and lower risk of
catheter thrombosis compared with low dose UFH.
5.3.1.2 Low molecular weight heparins
LMWHs are a class of heparin-derived compounds with molecular
weights ranging from 2000 to 10 000 Da. They have balanced
anti-Xa and anti-IIa activity, depending on the molecular weight
of the molecule, with greater anti-IIa activity with increasing molecular weight. LMWHs have different pharmacokinetic properties
and anticoagulant activities, and are not therefore clinically interchangeable. LMWHs have several advantages over UFH, particularly an almost complete absorption after subcutaneous
administration, less protein binding, less platelet activation, and,
thereby, a more predictable doseeffect relationship.171 Furthermore, there is a lower risk of HIT with LMWHs compared with
UFH. LMWHs are eliminated at least partially by the renal route.
The risk of accumulation increases with declining renal function,
resulting in an increased bleeding risk. Most LMWHs are contraindicated in the case of renal failure with CrCl ,30 mL/min.
However, for enoxaparin, dose adaptation is advocated in patients
with a CrCl ,30 mL/min (1 mg/kg once instead of twice daily).
The LMWH doses used in NSTE-ACS are body weight adjusted
and are commonly administered subcutaneously twice daily,
although an initial i.v. bolus in high risk patients is possible.179 182
With the current doses used in clinical practice, monitoring of
anti-Xa activity is not necessary, except in special populations of
patients such as those with renal failure or obesity. The optimal
level of anti-Xa activity to be achieved in the treatment of patients
with NSTE-ACS remains poorly defined. In patients treated for
VTE, the therapeutic range is 0.6 1.0 IU/mL, without a clear relationship between anti-Xa activity and clinical outcome. However, the
bleeding risk increases above 1.0 IU/mL of anti-Xa activity.183 In
NSTE-ACS, enoxaparin was tested in a dose-ranging trial at 1.25
and 1.0 mg/kg twice daily. Peak anti-Xa activity was 1.5 IU/mL with
the higher dose and 1.0 IU/mL with the lower dose. With the
1.25 mg/kg dose the rate of major bleeding through 14 days was
6.5% (predominantly at instrumented sites). With the 1.0 mg/kg
dose the rate of major haemorrhage was reduced to 1.9%. Patients
with major haemorrhage had anti-Xa activity in the range of 1.8
2.0 IU/mL.184 In a large unselected cohort of patients with unstable
0.440.61; P ,0.001). Major bleeding was an independent predictor of long-term mortality, which was significantly reduced with
fondaparinux at 30 days (2.9% vs. 3.5%; HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.71
0.97; P 0.02) and at 6 months (5.8% vs. 6.5%; HR 0.89; 95% CI
0.801.00; P 0.05). At 6 months the composite endpoint of
death, MI, or stroke was significantly lower with fondaparinux vs.
enoxaparin (11.3% vs. 12.5%; HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.820.97;
P 0.007). In the population submitted to PCI, a significantly
lower rate of major bleeding complications (including access site
complications) was observed at 9 days in the fondaparinux group
vs. enoxaparin (2.4% vs. 5.1%; HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.350.61;
P ,0.001). Interestingly, the rate of major bleeding was not influenced by the timing of the intervention after injection of the last
dose of fondaparinux (1.6% vs. 1.3% for ,6 h vs. .6 h, respectively). Catheter thrombus was observed more frequently with fondaparinux (0.9%) than with enoxaparin (0.4%), but was abolished
by injection of an empirically determined bolus of UFH at the
time of PCI. As the rate of ischaemic events was similar in both
the fondaparinux and heparin groups at 9 days, the net clinical
benefit of death, MI, stroke, and major bleeding favoured fondaparinux vs. enoxaparin (8.2% vs. 10.4%; HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.670.93;
P 0.004).
A mechanistic explanation for the difference between the fondaparinux and enoxaparin regimens has been proposed.177 Fondaparinux at a dose of 2.5 mg daily leads to an !50% lower
anticoagulant effect compared with enoxaparin at the standard
dose as assessed by anti-Xa activity. Similarly, inhibition of thrombin generation is also twice as low with fondaparinux, as assessed
by thrombin generation potential. This suggests that a low level of
anticoagulation is sufficient to prevent further ischaemic events
during the acute phase of NSTE-ACS in patients on full antiplatelet
therapy including aspirin and clopidogrel, plus GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitors in many, because there was no difference in the
primary endpoint between the fondaparinux and enoxaparin
groups at 9 days in OASIS-5.175 This low level of anticoagulation
explains the significant reduction in the risk of bleeding.
However, such a low level of anticoagulation is not sufficient to
prevent catheter thrombosis during PCI in a highly thrombogenic
environment. This also confirms that an additional bolus of UFH
is needed at the time of PCI in patients initially treated with
fondaparinux.
The optimal dose of UFH to be administered as a bolus during
PCI in patients initially treated with fondaparinux was investigated
in the Fondaparinux Trial With Unfractionated Heparin During
Revascularization in Acute Coronary Syndromes (FUTURA)/
OASIS-8 trial.178 In this study, 2026 patients initially treated with
fondaparinux, submitted to PCI within 72 h following initiation of
therapy, received either a low dose i.v. bolus of UFH (50 IU/kg),
regardless of the dose of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (if any),
or standard dose UFH, namely 85 IU/kg (reduced to 60 U/kg in
the case of the use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors), adjusted by
blinded ACT. PCI was carried out early after administration of
the last dose of fondaparinux (4 h). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the primary composite
endpoint (major bleeding, minor bleeding, or major vascular access
site complications) at 48 h after PCI (4.7% vs. 5.8%, low vs. standard dose group; OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.541.19; P 0.27). The
3023
3024
significant difference was observed in terms of death and MI at 30

days (enoxaparin vs. UFH, 14.0% vs. 14.5%; OR 0.96; 95% CI
0.861.06; P not significant).193 More bleeding events occurred
with enoxaparin, with a statistically significant increase in TIMI
major bleeding (9.1% vs. 7.6%; P 0.008), but a non-significant
excess in Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary
Arteries (GUSTO) severe bleeding events (2.7% vs. 2.2%; P
0.08) and transfusions (17.0% vs. 16.0%; P 0.16). In retrospect,
the excess bleeding was probably due to a high rate of prerandomization use of anticoagulants, and also possibly to frequent
post-randomization crossover from one anticoagulant to the other.
Nevertheless, LMWHs, primarily enoxaparin, are commonly
used in the PCI setting in spite of the fact that anticoagulation
cannot be monitored easily. The i.v. use of enoxaparin has a different pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile from the subcutaneous use. In elective PCI, enoxaparin is used at a dose of
1 mg/kg as an i.v. injection. The i.v. doses tested in clinical trials
were lower (usually 0.5 mg/kg) and reached the same peak of
anti-Xa activity within 3 min.194 I.v. administration provides an
immediate and predictable anticoagulation for 2 h. Lower doses
have also been tested in the Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous
Enoxaparin in Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: an
International Randomized Evaluation (STEEPLE) study.195 Lower
bleeding rates were achieved with 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg doses compared with UFH in these non-ACS patients. However, the trial was
not powered to detect a difference in efficacy between enoxaparin
groups.
In NSTE-ACS patients pre-treated with enoxaparin, no
additional enoxaparin is recommended during PCI if the last subcutaneous enoxaparin injection was administered ,8 h before PCI,
whereas an additional 0.3 mg/kg i.v. bolus is recommended if the
last subcutaneous enoxaparin injection was administered .8 h
before PCI. Crossing over to another anticoagulant during PCI is
strongly discouraged.
5.3.1.3 Unfractionated heparin
UFH is a heterogeneous mixture of polysaccharide molecules, with
a molecular weight ranging from 2000 to 30 000 (mostly 15 000
18 000) Da. One-third of the molecules found within a standard
UFH preparation contain the pentasaccharide sequence, which
binds to antithrombin and accelerates the rate at which antithrombin inhibits factor Xa. Inhibition of factor IIa requires heparin to
bind to both thrombin and antithrombin to bridge them. UFH is
poorly absorbed by the subcutaneous route, so i.v. infusion is
the preferred route of administration. The therapeutic window is
narrow, requiring frequent monitoring of aPTT, with an optimal
target level of 50 75 s, corresponding to 1.5 2.5 times the
upper limit of normal. At higher aPTT values, the risk of bleeding
complications is increased, without further antithrombotic
benefits. At aPTT values ,50 s, the antithrombotic effect is
limited. A weight-adjusted dose of UFH is recommended, at an
initial bolus of 6070 IU/kg with a maximum of 5000 IU, followed
by an initial infusion of 1215 IU/kg/h, to a maximum of 1000 IU/h.
This regimen is currently recommended as being the most likely to
achieve target aPTT values.171 The anticoagulant effect of UFH is
lost rapidly within a few hours after interruption. During the first
24 h after termination of treatment, there is a risk of reactivation
angina/NSTEMI, low anti-Xa activity (,0.5 IU/mL) on enoxaparin

was associated with a .3-fold increase in mortality compared
with patients with anti-Xa levels in the target range of 0.5 1.2 IU/
mL. Low anti-Xa levels (,0.5 IU/mL) were independently associated
with 30 day mortality, which highlights the need to achieve at least
the anti-Xa level of 0.5 IU/mL with enoxaparin whenever possible.185
Furthermore, it was shown in observational studies and small trials in
a PCI setting that anti-Xa activity .0.5 IU/mL was associated with a
low incidence of ischaemic and haemorrhagic events.186,187
Several meta-analyses have been published about the respective
efficacy of LMWHs vs. UFH in NSTE-ACS. The first, which
included 12 trials with different drugs totalling 17 157 patients,
confirmed that heparins in aspirin-treated NSTE-ACS patients conferred a significant benefit over placebo in terms of death or MI
(OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.380.73; P 0.0001). There was no significant
advantage in favour of LMWHs compared with UFH with regard to
efficacy or safety endpoints.172 A meta-analysis of all trials testing
enoxaparin vs. UFH, totalling 21 946 patients, showed no significant difference between the two compounds for death at 30
days (3.0% vs. 3.0%; OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.851.17; P not significant). A significant reduction in the combined endpoint of death
or MI at 30 days was observed in favour of enoxaparin vs. UFH
(10.1% vs. 11.0%; OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.830.99). A post-hoc subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in death or MI at
30 days in enoxaparin-treated patients who did not receive UFH
prior to randomization vs. the UFH group (8.0% vs. 9.4%, respectively; OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.700.94). No significant differences in
blood transfusions (7.2% vs. 7.5%; OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.891.14)
or major bleeding (4.7% vs. 4.5%; OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.83 1.30)
were observed at 7 days after randomization in the overall population, or in the population of patients who received no anticoagulant therapy before randomization. A further meta-analysis
encompassing all trials with enoxaparin in ACS, not only
NSTE-ACS, derived similar findings.188 Lastly, the respective efficacy and safety of LMWHs compared with UFH when prescribed
in association with GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors was explored in
small sized trials. Overall there was no significant difference in
safety endpoints. None of these trials showed a difference in efficacy in terms of hard endpoints, except in the Integrilin and Enoxaparin Randomized Assessment of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Treatment (INTERACT) trial, where a significant difference in
favour of enoxaparin plus eptifibatide was observed over UFH
plus eptifibatide.189 191 However, none of these trials had sufficient statistical power to draw definitive conclusions.
Most of these trials were carried out at a time when an invasive
strategy was not routine practice, and in some an invasive strategy
was not encouraged. As a result only a minority of patients in
these trials underwent an invasive strategy, and any conclusions
that may be drawn from these studies are now likely to be outdated.
The only trial to test enoxaparin vs. UFH using a contemporary
approach, with a high rate of PCI, revascularization, stent implantation, and active antiplatelet therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel, and
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, was the Superior Yield of the New
Strategy of Enoxaparin, Revascularization and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
Inhibitors (SYNERGY) trial.192 This trial included 10 027 high risk
patients undergoing early invasive evaluation plus revascularization,
of which 76% received anticoagulants prior to randomization. No
ESC Guidelines
ESC Guidelines
5.3.2 Direct thrombin inhibitors (bivalirudin)

Several DTIs have been tested over time, but only bivalirudin
reached clinical use in PCI and ACS settings. Bivalirudin binds
directly to thrombin (factor IIa) and thereby inhibits the
thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. It inactivates
fibrin-bound as well as fluid-phase thrombin. As it does not bind
to plasma proteins, the anticoagulant effect is more predictable.
Bivalirudin is eliminated by the kidney. Coagulation tests (aPTT
and ACT) correlate well with plasma concentrations, so these
two tests can be used to monitor the anticoagulant activity of
bivalirudin.
Bivalirudin has been initially tested in the setting of PCI. In the
Randomized Evaluation of PCI Linking Angiomax to reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE-2) trial, bivalirudin plus provisional GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors was shown to be non-inferior to UFH plus GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors regarding the protection against ischaemic events during PCI procedures, but with a significantly lower
rate of major bleeding complications (2.4% vs. 4.1%, P , 0.001)
for bivalirudin. No significant difference was observed in the
hard endpoints at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. Bivalirudin is currently approved for urgent and elective PCI at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg
bolus followed by 1.75 mg/kg/h. In NSTE-ACS patients, bivalirudin
is recommended at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by an
infusion of 0.25 mg/kg/h until PCI.
ACUITY was the only trial to test bivalirudin specifically in the
setting of NSTE-ACS.196 It was a randomized, open-label trial in
13 819 moderate to high risk NSTE-ACS patients planned for an
invasive strategy. Patients were randomized to one of three
unblinded treatment groups: standard combination treatment
with either UFH or LMWH with a GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor

(control arm) (n 4603); bivalirudin with a GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitor (n 4604); or bivalirudin alone (n 4612). Bivalirudin
was started before angiography with an i.v. bolus of 0.1 mg/kg
and an infusion of 0.25 mg/kg/h, followed before PCI by an
additional i.v. bolus of 0.5 mg/kg and infusion of 1.75 mg/kg/h.
The drug was stopped after PCI. There was no significant difference between standard UFH/LMWHs plus GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitors, and the combination of bivalirudin and GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, for the composite ischaemia endpoint at 30 days
(7.3% vs. 7.7%, respectively; RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.92 1.23; P
0.39) or for major bleeding (5.7% vs. 5.3%; RR 0.93; 95% CI
0.78 1.10; P 0.38). Bivalirudin alone was non-inferior to the
standard UFH/LMWHs combined with GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors with respect to the composite ischaemia endpoint (7.8% vs.
7.3%; RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.93 1.24; P 0.32), but with a significantly
lower rate of major bleeding (3.0% vs. 5.7%; RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.43
0.65; P ,0.001). Therefore, the 30 day net clinical outcome was
significantly better (10.1% vs. 11.7%; RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.770.94;
P 0.02) with bivalirudin alone vs. UFH/LMWHs plus GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors.196
The treatment effects of bivalirudin monotherapy as regards net
clinical outcome were consistent among most pre-specified subgroups, except in patients not pre-treated with clopidogrel prior
to PCI, in whom a significant excess of composite ischaemic endpoints was observed (9.1% vs. 7.1%; RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.031.63)
for bivalirudin alone vs. UFH/LMWHs plus GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitors.
Overall, bivalirudin plus a provisional GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor showed similar efficacy to heparin/LMWHs plus systematic GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, while significantly lowering the risk of
major haemorrhagic complications.197 However, no significant
difference in short- or long-term outcomes was observed in
ACUITY between these two anticoagulation strategies.198 Lastly,
data suggest that crossover from UFH or LMWH to bivalirudin
at the time of PCI does not result in an excess of bleeding, but
actually has a protective effect against bleeding.199
5.3.3 Anticoagulants under clinical investigation
New anticoagulants are currently under investigation in the setting
of ACS. Most of these target secondary prevention rather than the
initial phase of the disease. Anti-Xa agents have been tested in
phase II trials.200,201 Different doses of the oral direct factor Xa
inhibitors apixaban [(Apixaban for Prevention of Acute Ischemic
Events (APPRAISE) trial]202 and rivaroxaban [Anti-Xa Therapy to
Lower Cardiovascular Events in Addition to Aspirin With or
Without Thienopyridine Therapy in Subjects with Acute Coronary
Syndrome-46 (ATLAS ACS-TIMI)]201 have been tested in patients
with recent ACS on top of either aspirin or DAPT (acetylsalicylic
acid plus clopidogrel) for a period of 6 months. In both trials a
dose-related increase in the rate of bleeding, with a trend
towards a reduction in ischaemic events, particularly apparent in
patients treated with aspirin only, was observed. These agents
have been taken into phase III clinical trials (APPRAISE-2 and
ATLAS-2) on the basis of these findings. APPRAISE-2 was
stopped prematurely due to excessive bleeding with the apixaban
regimen.
of the coagulation process and thereby a transiently increased risk

of recurrent ischaemic events despite concurrent aspirin
treatment.
A pooled analysis of six trials testing short-term UFH vs. placebo
or untreated controls showed a 33% risk reduction in death and MI
(OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.450.99; P 0.04).172 The risk reduction for
MI accounted for practically all of the beneficial effect. In trials
comparing the combination of UFH plus aspirin vs. aspirin alone
in NSTE-ACS, a trend towards a benefit was observed in favour
of the UFH aspirin combination, but at the cost of an increased
risk of bleeding. Recurrence of events after interruption of UFH
explains why this benefit is not maintained over time, unless the
patient is revascularized before the interruption of UFH.
In the PCI setting, UFH is given as an i.v. bolus either under ACT
guidance (ACT in the range of 250 350 s, or 200 250 s if a GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor is given) or in a weight-adjusted manner
(usually 70 100 IU/kg, or 5060 IU/kg in combination with a
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors).171 Because of marked variability
in UFH bioavailability, ACT-guided dosing is advocated, especially
for prolonged procedures when additional dosing may be required.
Continued heparinization after completion of the procedure,
either preceding or following arterial sheath removal, is not
recommended.
If the patient is taken to the catheterization laboratory with an
ongoing i.v. infusion of heparin, a further i.v. bolus of UFH
should be adapted according to the ACT values and use of GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors.
3025
3026
The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran was investigated in a
phase II dose-finding trial [Randomized Dabigatran Etexilate
Dose Finding Study In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
(ACS) Post Index Event With Additional Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Complications Also Receiving Aspirin And Clopidogrel
(RE-DEEM), unpublished]. Otamixaban, an i.v. direct factor Xa
inhibitor, has also been tested in a phase II trial203; a phase III
trial with this compound is ongoing.
Recommendations for anticoagulants

Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
Anticoagulation is
recommended for all patients
in addition to antiplatelet
therapy.
171, 172
The anticoagulation should

be selected according to
both ischaemic and bleeding
risks, and according to the
efficacysafety profile of the
chosen agent.
Fondaparinux (2.5 mg
subcutaneously daily) is
recommended as having the
most favourable efficacysafety
profile with respect to
anticoagulation.
173, 175
If the initial anticoagulant is

fondaparinux, a single bolus
of UFH (85 IU/kg adapted to
ACT, or 60 IU in the case of
concomitant use of GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors) should be
added at the time of PCI.
178
Enoxaparin (1 mg/kg twice

daily) is recommended when
fondaparinux is not available.
175, 193
If fondaparinux or enoxaparin
are not available, UFH with
a target aPTT of 5070 s or
other LMWHs at the specific
recommended doses are
indicated.
Bivalirudin plus provisional

are recommended as an
alternative to UFH plus GP
IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
in patients with an intended
urgent or early invasive
strategy, particularly in patients
with a high risk of bleeding.
165, 196,
197
In a purely conservative
strategy, anticoagulation should
be maintained up to hospital
discharge.
175,
180182
Discontinuation of
anticoagulation should be
considered after an invasive
procedure unless otherwise
indicated.
IIa
Crossover of heparins
(UFH and LMWH) is not
recommended.
III
171, 183,
193
Level of evidence.
c
References.
ACT activated clotting time; aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time;
GP glycoprotein; LMWH low molecular weight heparin; PCI
percutaneous coronary intervention; UFH unfractionated heparin.
b
5.3.4 Combination of anticoagulation and antiplatelet

treatment
Anticoagulation and DAPT with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor are
recommended as first-line treatment during the initial phase of
NSTE-ACS. The duration of anticoagulation is limited to the
acute phase, whereas DAPT is recommended for 12 months
with or without PCI and stent implantation. A sizeable proportion of patients (6 8%) presenting with NSTE-ACS have
an indication for long-term oral anticoagulation with a vitamin
K antagonist (VKA) due to various conditions such as moderate
to high embolic risk AF, mechanical heart valves, or VTE. Dual
therapy (i.e. aspirin or clopidogrel plus a VKA) or triple
therapy (DAPT plus a VKA) is associated with a three- to fourfold increase in major bleeding complications. The management
of such patients is challenging owing to the fact that a good level
of anticoagulation should be maintained during the acute and
long-term phases of the disease. Interruption of VKA therapy
may expose the patient to an increased risk of thrombo-embolic
episodes. Interventions such as angiography, PCI, or CABG may
be delicate or impossible to perform under full VKA anticoagulation; and long-term exposure of patients to triple therapy is
clearly associated with a high risk of bleeding. Accordingly,
several precautions have to be considered, as outlined in a
recent consensus paper in elective coronary interventions as
well as in the acute setting (NSTEMI or STEMI).204 DES
should be strictly limited to those clinical and/or anatomical situations, such as long lesions, small vessels, diabetes, etc., where a
major benefit is expected compared with bare-metal stents
(BMSs). If patients under dual or triple therapy need
re-angiography, radial access should be the preferred choice in
order to reduce the risk of periprocedural bleeding. PCI
without interruption of VKAs, to avoid bridging therapy that
may lead to more bleeding or ischaemic complications, has
also been advocated.
In the acute setting, it may be prudent to stop VKA therapy
and administer antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulants as
recommended if the international normalized ratio (INR) is
,2.0. In the medium to long term, if VKA therapy needs to
be given in combination with clopidogrel and/or low dose
aspirin, careful monitoring of the INR is warranted, with
target values in the range of 2.0 2.5. Triple therapy should be
limited in duration depending on the clinical setting, the implantation of a BMS or a DES, and ischaemic or bleeding risks as
assessed by risk scores and/or baseline characteristics
(Table 6). Since !50% of all spontaneous bleeds are gastrointestinal, gastric protection should be implemented with a proton
pump inhibitor.
ESC Guidelines
ESC Guidelines
5.4 Coronary revascularization
3027
5.4.1 Invasive versus conservative approach

Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have
assessed the effects of a routine invasive vs. conservative or selective invasive approach in the short and long term. The benefit of
revascularization is difficult to compare and tends to be underestimated in these trials due to different proportions of patients crossing over from the conservative arm to revascularization (crossover
rates vary from 28% to as high as 58%). In general, the benefit is
more pronounced when the difference in revascularization rates
between invasive and conservative arms is high. Furthermore, the
selection of patients may have been biased, as some studies
included all consecutive patients while others excluded severely
unstable patients.
A meta-analysis of seven RCTs comparing routine angiography
followed by revascularization with a selective invasive strategy
showed reduced rates of combined death and MI, with a nonsignificant trend towards fewer deaths and a significant reduction
in MI alone, with a routine invasive strategy.206 There was,
however, an early hazard in terms of a significantly higher risk of
death and of death and MI during initial hospitalization for the
routine invasive management. However, four of the seven trials
included in this meta-analysis were not contemporary due to marginal use of stents and GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. Another
meta-analysis including seven trials with more contemporary
adjunctive medication showed a significant risk reduction for allcause mortality and non-fatal MI for an early invasive vs. conservative approach at 2 years without an excess of death and non-fatal
MI at 1 month.207 A more recent meta-analysis of eight RCTs
showed a significant reduction in death, MI, or rehospitalization
with ACS for the invasive strategy at 1 year.208 However, this
benefit was driven mainly by improved outcomes in biomarkerpositive (high risk) patients. In a sex-specific analysis, a comparable
benefit was found in biomarker-positive women compared with
biomarker-positive men. Importantly, biomarker-negative women
5.4.2 Timing of angiography and intervention

The optimal timing of angiography and revascularization in
NSTE-ACS has been studied extensively. However, patients at
very high risk, i.e. those with refractory angina, severe heart
failure, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, or haemodynamic
instability, were generally not included in RCTs, in order not to
withhold potentially life-saving treatment. Such patients may have
evolving MI and should be taken to an immediate (,2 h) invasive
evaluation, regardless of ECG or biomarker findings.
Previously, there has been a debate about whether early angiography followed by revascularization is associated with an early
hazard.206 A very early invasive strategy (0.5 14 h), as opposed to
a delayed invasive strategy (2186 h), was tested in five prospective
RCTs, of which only Timing of Intervention in Patients with Acute
Coronary Syndromes (TIMACS) had an adequate size (for an overview, see the ESC revascularization guidelines148). In a meta-analysis
of three trialsAngioplasty to Blunt the Rise of Troponin in Acute
Coronary Syndromes Randomized for an Immediate or Delayed
Intervention (ABOARD),210 Early or Late Intervention in unStable
Angina (ELISA),211 Intracoronary Stenting With Antithrombotic
Regimen Cooling Off (ISAR-COOL),170 and TIMACS212early
catheterization followed by coronary intervention on the first day
of hospitalization was shown to be safe and superior in terms of
lower risk of recurrent ischaemia ( 41%) and shorter hospital stay
( 28%).213 With respect to hard endpoints, only the small
Optimal Timing of PCI in Unstable Angina (OPTIMA) trial found
an increased rate of procedure-related MI in patients having an
immediate (30 min) compared with a deferred (25 h) strategy.214
In contrast, the ABOARD trial did not confirm a difference in MI
as defined by troponin release when an immediate intervention
(1.2 h) was compared with a strategy of intervention deferred to
the next working day (mean 21 h).210
Owing to heterogeneous risk profiles, the optimal timing for an
invasive approach may vary in different risk cohorts. There is
growing evidence to suggest a benefit of an invasive strategy
Revascularization for NSTE-ACS relieves symptoms, shortens hospital stay, and improves prognosis. The indications and timing for
myocardial revascularization and choice of preferred approach
(PCI or CABG) depend on many factors including the patients
condition, the presence of risk features, co-morbidities, and the
extent and severity of the lesions as identified by coronary
angiography.
Risk stratification should be performed as early as possible to
identify high risk individuals rapidly and reduce the delay to an
early invasive approach. However, patients with NSTE-ACS represent a heterogeneous population in terms of risk and prognosis.
This extends from low risk patients who benefit from conservative
treatment and a selective invasive approach to patients at high risk
for death and cardiovascular events, who should be rapidly
referred for angiography and revascularization. Therefore, risk stratification is critical for selection of the optimal management strategy. Analysis of the patient risk profile may be performed by
assessment of generally accepted high risk criteria and/or applying
pre-defined risk scores such as the GRACE risk score (see
Section 4.4).205
tended to have a higher event rate with an early invasive strategy,

suggesting that early invasive procedures should be avoided in low
risk, troponin-negative, female patients. A recent meta-analysis,
based on individual patient data from the FRISC-2, Invasive
versus Conservative Treatment in Unstable Coronary Syndromes
(ICTUS), and Randomized Intervention Trial of unstable Angina-3
(RITA-3) studies comparing a routine invasive vs. a selective invasive strategy, revealed a reduction in rates of death and non-fatal
MI at 5-year follow-up, with the most pronounced difference in
high risk patients.209 Age, diabetes, previous MI, ST-segment
depression, hypertension, body mass index (,25 kg/m2 or
.35 kg/m2), and treatment strategy were found to be independent
predictors of death and non-fatal MI during follow-up.209 There
was a 2.0 3.8% absolute reduction in cardiovascular death or MI
in the low and intermediate risk groups, and an 11.1% absolute
risk reduction in the highest risk patients. These results support
a routine invasive strategy, but highlight the role of risk stratification in the management decision process.
The subgroups of patients at high risk that benefit from an early
invasive management (diabetic patients, the elderly, patients with
renal insufficiency) are discussed in the respective sections.
3028
ESC Guidelines
Table 9 Criteria for high risk with indication for

invasive management
Primary
Relevant rise or fall in troponina
Dynamic ST- or T-wave changes (symptomatic or silent)
Secondary
Diabetes mellitus
Renal insufficiency (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m)
Reduced LV function (ejection fraction <40%)
Early post infarction angina
Recent PCI
Prior CABG
Intermediate to high GRACE risk score (Table 5)
within 24 h in patients with a high risk profile. The TIMACS trial

revealed a significant 38% reduction in death, MI, or stroke at 6
months in high risk patients (GRACE score .140), with an early
(24 h) compared with a delayed (36 h) strategy. No significant
difference was observed in patients with a low to intermediate risk
profile (GRACE score 140).212 Importantly, there were no safety
issues regarding an early invasive strategy in this trial. In the
ACUITY data analysis, delay to PCI .24 h was an independent
predictor of 30-day and 1-year mortality.215 This increased ischaemic event rate was most evident among moderate and high risk
patients (according to the TIMI risk score).
Optimal adjunctive pharmacotherapy is important in an invasive
strategy, but pre-treatment should not delay angiography and the
intervention.151 An intentional delayed invasive approach for stabilization including GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (cooling-off strategy) is of no benefit.151,170
In summary, timing of angiography and revascularization should
be based on patient risk profile. Patients at very high risk (as
defined above) should be considered for urgent coronary angiography (,2 h). In patients at high risk with a GRACE risk score
of .140 or with at least one major high risk criterion, an early
invasive strategy within 24 h appears to be the reasonable time
window. This implies expedited transfer for patients admitted to
hospitals without on-site catheterization facilities. In lower risk
subsets with a GRACE risk score of ,140 but with at least one
high risk criterion (Table 9), the invasive evaluation can be
delayed without increased risk but should be performed during
the same hospital stay, preferably within 72 h of admission. In
such patients, immediate transfer is not mandatory, but should
be organized within 72 h (e.g. diabetic patients). In other low
risk patients without recurrent symptoms a non-invasive assessment of inducible ischaemia should be performed before hospital
discharge. Coronary angiography should be performed if the
results are positive for reversible ischaemia.
5.4.4 Coronary artery bypass surgery

The proportion of patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing bypass
surgery during initial hospitalization is !10%.220 While the
benefit from PCI in patients with NSTE-ACS is related to its
a
Rise/fall of troponin relevant according to precision of assay (see Section 3.2.3).
CABG coronary artery bypass graft; eGFR estimated glomerular filtration
rate; GRACE Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events; LV left ventricular;
PCI percutaneous coronary intervention.
5.4.3 Percutaneous coronary intervention versus

coronary artery bypass surgery
There are no specific RCTs comparing PCI with CABG in patients
with NSTE-ACS. In all trials comparing an early with a late strategy,
or an invasive with a medical management strategy, the decision
regarding whether to perform CABG or PCI was left to the discretion of the investigator.
In patients stabilized after an episode of ACS, the choice of
revascularization modality can be made as in stable CAD.148 In
approximately one-third of patients angiography will reveal singlevessel disease, allowing ad hoc PCI in most cases. Multivessel
disease will be present in another 50%.181,182 Here the decision
is more complex and the choice has to be made between culprit
lesion PCI, multivessel PCI, CABG, or a combined (hybrid) revascularization in some cases. The revascularization strategy should be
based on the clinical status as well as the severity and distribution
of the CAD and the lesion characteristics.
Culprit lesion PCI usually is the first choice in most patients with
multivessel disease. The strategy of multivessel stenting for suitable
significant stenoses rather than stenting the culprit lesion only has
not been evaluated appropriately in a randomized fashion.
However, in a large database including 105 866 multivessel CAD
patients with NSTE-ACS, multivessel PCI was compared with
single-vessel PCI.216 Multivessel PCI was associated with lower
procedural success but similar in-hospital mortality and morbidity,
although no long-term results were reported.
CABG was compared with PCI in a propensity-matched analysis
among patients with multivessel disease from the ACUITY trial.217
PCI-treated patients had lower rates of stroke, MI, bleeding, and
renal injury, similar 1-month and 1-year mortality, but significantly
higher rates of unplanned revascularization at both 1 month and 1
year. However, only 43% of CABG patients could be matched and
there was a strong trend for a greater major adverse cardiac event
rate at 1 year with PCI compared with CABG (25.0% vs. 19.5%;
P 0.05). These results are consistent with those of the
SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with
TAXus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) trial, which included
28.5% of patients with a recent ACS, in both PCI and CABG
arms.218 However, a subanalysis of these patients has not been
reported.
Culprit lesion PCI does not necessarily require a case by case
review by the Heart Team (a multidisciplinary decision-making
team), when on clinical or angiographic grounds the procedure
needs to be performed ad hoc after angiography.148 However, protocols based on the SYNTAX score should be designed by the
Heart Team at each institution, defining specific anatomical criteria
and clinical subsets that can be treated ad hoc or transferred
directly to CABG.219 After culprit lesion PCI, patients with
scores in the two higher terciles of the SYNTAX score should
be discussed within the Heart Team, in light of functional evaluation of the remaining lesions. This also includes the assessment
of co-morbidities and individual characteristics.
3029
ESC Guidelines
5.4.5 Percutaneous coronary intervention technique

Outcome after PCI in NSTE-ACS has been improved markedly
with the use of intracoronary stenting and contemporary antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapies. As for all patients undergoing
PCI, stent implantation in this setting helps to reduce the threat of
abrupt closure and restenosis. The safety and efficacy of DESs have
not been prospectively tested in this specific population, although
patients with recent NSTE-ACS comprise up to 50% of patients
included in most PCI trials. Owing to platelet activation and the
inflammatory background of ACS, DES implantation results may
be different from those in stable patients. However, HORIZONS
AMI, a randomized study of DES vs. BMS in STEMI patients, did
not reveal any safety concerns, whereas a consistent reduction
of restenosis and unplanned repeat revascularization was found
after DES implantation.225 Owing to the lack of randomized
trials in NSTE-ACS, the choice between the use of a BMS or a
DES should be based on an individual assessment of benefit vs.
risk.226 DAPT should be maintained for 12 months irrespective
of the type of stent. In patients with a compelling indication for
long-term anticoagulation, BMS implantation, stand-alone balloon
angioplasty, or CABG may be considered in order to restrict the
Recommendations for invasive evaluation and

revascularization
Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
An invasive strategy (within

72 h after first presentation) is
indicated in patients with:
at least one high-risk
criterion (Table 9);
recurrent symptoms.
148
Urgent coronary angiography

(<2 h) is recommended in
patients at very high ischaemic
risk (refractory angina, with
associated heart failure,
life-threatening ventricular
arrhythmias, or haemodynamic
instability).
148, 209
An early invasive strategy

(<24 h) is recommended in
patients with a GRACE score
>140 or with at least one
primary high-risk criterion.
212, 215
Non-invasive documentation
of inducible ischaemia is
recommended in low-risk
patients without recurrent
symptoms before deciding for
invasive evaluation.
54, 55, 148
The revascularization strategy

(ad-hoc culprit lesion PCI/
multivessel PCI/CABG)
should be based on the clinical
status as well as the disease
severity, i.e. distribution
and angiographic lesion
characteristics (e.g. SYNTAX
score), according to the local
Heart Team protocol.
As there are no safety

concerns related to the
use of DESs in ACS, DESs
are indicated based on
an individual basis taking
into account baseline
characteristics, coronary
anatomy, and bleeding risk.
225, 226
PCI of non-significant lesions is

not recommended.
III
Routine invasive evaluation

of low-risk patients is not
recommended.
III
148, 208
Level of evidence.
References.
ACS acute coronary syndromes; BMS bare-metal stent; CABG coronary
bypass graft; DES drug-eluting stent; GRACE Global Registry of Acute
Coronary Events; PCI percutaneous coronary intervention; SYNTAX
SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac
surgery.
b
c
early performance, the benefit from CABG is greatest when

patients can be operated on after several days of medical stabilization depending on individual risk. As there is no randomized study
comparing an early with a delayed CABG strategy, the general
consensus is to wait for 4872 h in patients who had culprit
lesion PCI and have additional severe CAD. In a large database
analysis of unselected patients admitted for ACS, performance of
early CABG, even in higher risk patients, was associated with
very low in-hospital mortality.221 In the CRUSADE and ACTION
(Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes
Network) registry Get With The Guidelines programmes in
patients with NSTEMI, unadjusted and adjusted analyses showed
no difference in outcomes between patients undergoing early
(48 h) or in-hospital late (.48 h) surgery, although CABG was
delayed more often in higher risk patients, suggesting that timing
might be appropriately determined by multidisciplinary clinical judgement.222 Therefore, in patients selected for CABG, its timing
should be individualized according to symptoms, haemodynamic
status, coronary anatomy, and inducible ischaemia or flow
reserve measurements. When there is ongoing or recurrent
ischaemia, ventricular arrhythmias, or haemodynamic instability,
CABG should be performed immediately. Surgery should be performed during the same hospital stay in patients with left main
or three-vessel disease involving the proximal left anterior descending artery. In this decision process it is important to consider
the risk of bleeding complications in patients who undergo bypass
surgery, when initially treated with aggressive antiplatelet treatment.142,223,224 However, pre-treatment with a triple or dual
antiplatelet regimen should be considered only as a relative contraindication to early bypass surgery, but does require specific surgical
measures to minimize bleeding. In patients requiring emergent
surgery before the washout period of thienopyridines, off-pump
CABG or minimized cardiopulmonary bypass circuits, blood
salvaging techniques, and platelet transfusion should be used to
minimize risk of bleeding and its consequences.
3030
duration of triple therapy to 1 month. The use of aspiration thrombectomy in the NSTEMI setting is possible; however, its benefit
was not assessed prospectively in randomized trials in patients
with NSTE-ACS.227 It remains undetermined whether other
coronary segments with non-significant stenoses but vulnerable
features will merit mechanical intervention and is therefore not
supported. For the use of intravascular ultrasound and FFR, see
Section 3.2.4.
ESC Guidelines
Recommendations for elderly patients

Recommendations
5.5 Special populations and conditions
Diagnosis and risk stratification in the elderly

The clinical presentation of NSTE-ACS in the elderly is often
atypical and they are more likely to have mild symptoms.15
Among elderly patients with atypical presentation of NSTE-ACS,
dyspnoea is the leading symptom, while syncope, malaise, and
confusion are less frequent. The results of an ECG are less likely
to demonstrate marked ST-segment deviation. Elderly patients
present more frequently with NSTE-ACS than STEMI.
Age is one of the most important predictors of risk in
NSTE-ACS.50 Patients aged .75 years have at least double the
mortality rate of those ,75 years. The prevalence of ACS-related
complications such as heart failure, bleeding, stroke, renal failure,
and infections markedly increases with age.
Therapeutic considerations
The elderly are at higher risk of side effects from medical treatment. This is particularly true for the risk of bleeding with antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, but also for hypotension,
bradycardia, and renal failure. In addition to the intrinsic bleeding
risk of the elderly, older patients are more frequently exposed
to excessive dose of antithrombotic drugs that are excreted by
the kidney.231
The risk of major bleeding associated with unfractionated
heparin, enoxaparin, GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, and P2Y12
inhibitors is significantly increased in older patients. In the
SYNERGY trial, no difference in the rates of 30-day death or MI,
30-day death, and 1-year death between UFH and enoxaparin
groups was observed among patients .75 years of age.
However, the rates of TIMI major bleeding and GUSTO severe
bleeding were significantly higher in the enoxaparin group. As a
Level b
Ref C
Because of the frequent

atypical presentation, elderly
patients (>75 years) should be
investigated for NSTE-ACS at
low level of suspicion
15, 230
Treatment decisions in the

elderly (>75 years) should
be made in the context of
estimated life expectancy,
co-morbidities, quality of
life, and patient wishes and
preferences.
230
Choice and dosage of

antithrombotic drugs should
be tailored in elderly patients
to prevent the occurrence of
adverse effects.
230
Elderly patients should be

considered for an early
invasive strategy with
the option of possible
revascularization, after careful
weighing up of the risks and
benefits.
IIa
233235
Level of evidence.
c
References.
NSTE-ACS non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.
b
consequence, enoxaparin should be used with caution in the

elderly and the dose should be adapted to renal function. Over
75 years of age, the dose should be reduced to 1 mg/kg once
daily and anti-Xa activity monitored.232 A significantly lower risk
of bleeding was observed with fondaparinux compared with
enoxaparin in patients .65 years of age in the OASIS-5 trial.175
Elderly patients are substantially less likely to undergo an invasive strategy after NSTE-ACS. However, reports from individual
trials suggested that the benefit from the invasive strategy was
mainly observed in patients .65 years of age.233,234 In a subgroup
analysis of the Treat angina with Aggrastat and determine Cost of
Therapy with an Invasive or Conservative Strategy (TACTICS)TIMI 18 trial, patients .75 years of age with NSTE-ACS derived
the largest benefit, in terms of both relative and absolute risk
reductions, from an invasive strategy at the cost of an increase in
risk of major bleeding and need for transfusions.235 This was
confirmed by a recent meta-analysis.209
Decisions on how to manage individual elderly patients should
be based on ischaemic and bleeding risk, estimated life expectancy,
co-morbidities, quality of life, patient wishes, and the estimated
risks and benefits of revascularization.
5.5.2 Gender issues
Women presenting with NSTE-ACS are older than men and have a
higher frequency of diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and other
5.5.1 The elderly

The term elderly is used arbitrarily to describe different age
groups. Although 65 years has been the traditional cut-off, with
an ageing population a cut-off set at 75 or even 80 years would
seem more appropriate. Beyond biological age, co-morbidities
and associated conditions such as frailty, cognitive and functional
impairment, and physical dependence should be considered.
In European registries of NSTE-ACS, 2734% of patients are
aged .75 years.228,229 Despite the high proportion of elderly
patients in registries, the elderly (.75 years) represent not
more than 20% of all patients in recent trials of NSTE-ACS. Even
when elderly patients are recruited into clinical trials, those
randomized have substantially less co-morbidity than patients
encountered in daily clinical practice.230 Thus the applicability of
findings from clinical trials to elderly patients encountered in
routine clinical practice may be questionable.
Class a
3031
ESC Guidelines
Recommendations for gender

Recommendations
Both genders should be
evaluated and treated in the
same way.
Class a
Level b
Ref C
246
Level of evidence.
c
Reference.
NSTE-ACS non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.
b
Although no sex-specific treatment effect has been described for
most therapeutic agents, women with NSTE-ACS are less likely
than men to receive evidence-based therapies including invasive
diagnostic procedures and coronary revascularization.236,237,240
Contradictory results have been published with respect to the
influence of sex on the treatment effect of an invasive strategy in
NSTE-ACS. While observational studies suggested better longterm outcomes in unselected women undergoing an early invasive
strategy, a meta-analysis showed that the benefit of invasive strategies was restricted to male patients, with no benefit in women up
to 1 year of follow-up.241 Moreover, a number of randomized
trials233,242 revealed a higher rate of death and non-fatal MI
among women with NSTE-ACS undergoing an early invasive strategy. A significant sex interaction was also found in the FRISC-2 trial
during the 5-year follow-up period, in which an invasive strategy
showed a significant improvement in the reduction of death or
MI in men but not in women.234
The meta-analysis by the Cochrane collaboration pointed out
that women derive a significant long-term benefit in terms of
death or MI (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.590.91) for an invasive vs. conservative strategy, although with an early hazard.243 Some studies
suggest that only in high risk female patients, such as those with
troponin elevation244 or with multivessel disease, is an early invasive strategy beneficial. Parallel findings have been described for
the use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors in women.245 In fact, in
a cohort of 35 128 patients with angiographic data, taken from a
pooled analysis of 11 trials, 30-day mortality in women was not
significantly different from that in men, regardless of ACS type,
after adjustment for angiographic disease severity. Sex-based differences in 30-day mortality observed among ACS patients are markedly attenuated after adjustment for baseline characteristics,
angiographic findings, and treatment strategies.246
5.5.3 Diabetes mellitus

Approximately 20 30% of patients with NSTE-ACS have known
diabetes, and at least as many have undiagnosed diabetes or
impaired glucose tolerance.247 The Euro Heart Survey revealed
that 37% of patients with NSTE-ACS had established or newly discovered diabetes.248 Patients with diabetes are older, are more
often female, have more co-morbidities such as hypertension
and renal failure, are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, and are more prone to develop complications, particularly
heart failure and bleeding.248
Diabetes mellitus is an independent predictor of mortality
among patients with NSTE-ACS. Patients with diabetes have a
two-fold higher risk of death.249,250 In addition, patients with
impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting blood glucose
have a worse prognosis than patients with normal glucose metabolism, but a better prognosis than patients with confirmed
diabetes.
Hyperglycaemia on admission or later during the hospital course
is a strong independent marker of adverse prognosis in ACS
whether or not the patient is diabetic, and may even be a stronger
marker of risk than diagnosed diabetes.251
Registries have consistently shown that patients with NSTE-ACS
and diabetes are at a higher risk for short- and long-term cardiovascular events, but also that they are suboptimally treated compared with non-diabetic patients. In the European registries,
revascularization (any form), thienopyridines, and GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were prescribed less frequently among diabetic
patients than among non-diabetic patients, with a clear impact on
in-hospital and long-term mortality (5.9% vs. 3.2% at 1 month,
and 15.2% vs. 7.6% at 1 year). In addition, diabetic patients are
less likely to receive reperfusion therapies or undergo revascularization compared with non-diabetic patients.248,250
Diabetics are high risk patients, and as such require aggressive
pharmacological as well as invasive management. In addition, a
comprehensive approach to secondary prevention should include
pharmacological therapy and lifestyle changes.252
Data on the value of tight glycaemic control in MI are inconclusive.251 In STEMI patients, tight glycaemic control using i.v. insulin
was shown in Diabetes, Insulin Glucose Infusion in Acute Myocardial Infarction (DIGAMI) to reduce 1-year mortality by 30%, but
this was not confirmed in DIGAMI-2. In predominantly stable
patients with diabetes and also in intensive care units, recent
studies have not shown improved outcomes with tight glycaemic
control, but rather an excess of events related to more frequent
hypoglycaemic episodes in patients allocated to tight blood
glucose control.253 Until more data become available the treatment target should be to avoid severe hyperglycaemia [glucose
concentration .10 11 mmol/L (.180200 mg/dL)] as well as
hypoglycaemia [,5 mmol/L (,90 mg/dL)]. There is no evidence
co-morbidities.236 238 Atypical presentation, including dyspnoea

or symptoms of heart failure, is more common.228,239 Despite
the differences in baseline risk, women and men with NSTE-ACS
have a similar prognosis except in the elderly when women
appear to have a better prognosis than men. This may be partially
explained by the higher prevalence of non-obstructive CAD found
on angiography in women.238 On the other hand, women with
NSTE-ACS have a higher bleeding risk than men.
Thus, the data suggest that a routine early invasive strategy

should be considered in women on the same principles as in
men, i.e. after careful risk stratification for both ischaemic and
bleeding risks including clinical and ECG evaluation, analysis of biomarkers, co-morbidities, and use of risk scores (see Section 4).
3032
Recommendations for diabetic patients

Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
All patients with NSTEACS should be screened

for diabetes. Blood glucose
levels should be monitored
frequently in patients with
known diabetes or admission
hyperglycaemia.
Treatment of elevated blood

glucose should avoid both
excessive hyperglycaemia
[1011 mmol/L
(>180200 mg/dL)] and
hypoglycaemia [<5 mmol/L
(<90 mg/dL)].
251, 253
Antithrombotic treatment is
indicated as in non-diabetic
patients.
Renal function should be

closely monitored following
contrast exposure.
An early invasive strategy is

recommended.
233, 255
DESs are recommended

to reduce rates of repeat
revascularization.
148, 261
CABG surgery should be

favoured over PCI in diabetic
patients with main stem
lesions and/or advanced
multivessel disease.
259
Level of evidence.
References.
CABG, coronary artery bypass graft; DES drug-eluting stent; NSTE-ACS,
non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes; PCI, percutaneous
b
c
There is no indication that the antithrombotic regimen should

differ between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, in
the TRITON-TIMI 38 trial, prasugrel was shown to be superior
to clopidogrel in reducing the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or MI or stroke without excess major bleeding.262 Similarly, ticagrelor, when compared with clopidogrel in the PLATO
trial, reduced the rate of ischaemic events in ACS patients irrespective of diabetic status and glycaemic control, without an increase in
major bleeding events.263 Ticagrelor reduced all-cause mortality in
patients with haemoglobin A1c above the median (.6%).
Although GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors were shown in an earlier
meta-analysis (without concomitant use of thienopyridines) to
have a favourable impact on outcome in diabetic patients,264
routine upstream treatment was not confirmed to be beneficial
in the more recent EARLY-ACS trial.151 Therefore, with the
current use of high dose oral antiplatelet agents, diabetic patients
that glucoseinsulinpotassium improves outcome, but may be

even deleterious.254
Revascularization in diabetic patients causes specific problems.
CAD is typically diffuse and extensive, and restenosis as well as
occlusion rates after PCI and CABG are higher. Repeat revascularization procedures are more frequent after PCI, compared with
CABG. An early invasive approach has been shown to be beneficial
in this high risk subgroup, with greater benefit in diabetic than in
non-diabetic patients.255
In unselected diabetic patients with multivessel disease, CABG
appears to offer a better outcome compared with PCI. In a
meta-analysis of individual data from 7812 patients in 10 randomized trials, CABG was associated with significantly lower mortality
at 5.9-year follow-up than with PCI in diabetic patients.256 Overall
there was no difference in mortality with CABG vs. PCI (15% vs.
16%; HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.821.02; P 0.12), but mortality was significantly lower for CABG among 1233 patients with diabetes
[23% vs. 29%; HR 0.70; 95% 0.560.87; P 0.05; numbers
needed to treat (NNT) 17]. In the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI-2D) trial, diabetic
patients with stable angina were randomized to either intensive
medical therapy or intensive medical therapy plus revascularization with either CABG or PCI (physicians choice). At 5-year
follow-up, in 763 patients in the CABG group, the rates of allcause mortality or MI were significantly lower in the CABG
group vs. intensive medical therapy alone (21.1% vs. 29.2%; P
,0.010), as well as the rate of cardiac death or MI (15.8% vs.
21.9%; P ,0.03) and MI (10% vs. 17.6%; P ,0.003). There was
no significant difference in outcome between intensive medical
therapy alone and intensive medical therapy plus PCI.257,258 In
SYNTAXa trial comparing CABG with PCI with DESs in main
stem and multivessel diseasethe difference in major adverse
cardiac and cerebral events at 1-year follow-up between CABG
and PCI groups was doubled in the pre-defined diabetes
cohort, mostly driven by repeat revascularization.259 However,
there was no significant difference in rates of death or MI.
Finally, in the New York Registry, a trend to improved outcomes
in diabetic patients treated with CABG compared with DESs (OR
for death or MI at 18 months 0.84; 95% CI 0.691.01) was
reported.260
All of these studies suggest that CABG offers a better outcome
compared with PCI in diabetic patients. However, it has to be
pointed out that these trials incorporated mostlyif not only
chronic stable patients, and it is unclear whether these data can
be extrapolated to patients with NSTE-ACS.
With respect to the choice of stent, in a meta-analysis a DES
proved to be at least as safe as a BMS provided that DAPT is continued for .6 months, which is indicated in ACS anyway.261
Repeat target vessel revascularization was considerably less frequent with a DES than a BMS (OR 0.29 for sirolimus eluting;
0.38 for paclitaxel eluting). It may be assumed that this is similar
in diabetic patients with ACS. Regarding the choice of conduits,
observational studies suggest that arterial grafts offer better
outcome compared with saphenous vein grafts. The impact of
revascularization with bilateral arterial grafting on long-term
outcome and risk of mediastinal infections is still debated. Again,
no data confined to ACS patients alone are available.
ESC Guidelines
3033
ESC Guidelines
do not seem to benefit from the routine addition of GP IIb/IIIa

receptor inhibitors.
Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy is particularly
important in diabetic patients undergoing angiography and/or PCI
(see Section 5.5.4). There are no data to support delay of angiography in patients treated with metformin as the risk of lactate acidosis is negligible.265 Renal function should be monitored closely
following contrast exposure.
Despite the fact that patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD are frequently under-represented in clinical trials, there is no particular
reason not to treat these patients just like patients devoid of
renal dysfunction. However, caution is needed with respect to
the antithrombotic treatment in terms of bleeding complications.168,269,270 Registry data show that CKD patients are often
overdosed with antithrombotics, particularly anticoagulants and
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, and are therefore more prone to
bleed. Many drugs with exclusive or substantial renal elimination
need to be down-titrated or might even be contraindicated in
CKD patients, including enoxaparin, fondaparinux, bivalirudin,
and small-molecule GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (Table 10). In
the case of severe renal failure, when fondaparinux or enoxaparin
are contraindicated, UFH should be used. However, in the GRACE
registry UFH did not protect against bleeding complications, and a
gradual increase in the risk of bleeding with declining renal function
was observed with UFH, similar to that observed with LMWH.269
The advantages of UFH over other anticoagulants in CKD patients
are that its anticoagulant activity is easily monitored with aPTT, and
it can be quickly neutralized in the event of bleeding. Fondaparinux
has a much safer profile than enoxaparin in CKD, as shown by the
much lower risk of bleeding complications observed in OASIS-5
with fondaparinux compared with enoxaparin. Ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in the PLATO trial significantly reduced
ischaemic endpoints and mortality without a significant increase
in major bleeding, but with numerically more non-procedurerelated bleeding.271
Data on the impact of an invasive strategy on clinical endpoints
in patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD are not available, as many
trials of revascularization in NSTE-ACS excluded patients with
CKD. In a large registry as well as in substudies of trials in the
Drug
Recommendations
Clopidogrel
No information in patients with renal dysfunction.
Prasugrel
No dose adjustment necessary, including in

patients with end-stage disease.
Ticagrelor
No dose reduction required; no information in

dialysis patients.
Enoxaparin
Dose reduction to 1 mg/kg once daily in the

case of severe renal failure (CrCl <30 mL/min).
Consider monitoring of anti-Xa activity.
Fondaparinux
Contraindicated in severe renal failure

(CrCl <20 mL/min). Drug of choice in patients
with moderately reduced renal function
(CrCl 3060 mL/min).
Bivalirudin
Patients with moderate renal impairment

(3059 mL/min) should receive an infusion of
1.75 mg/kg/h. If the creatinine clearance is
<30 mL/min, reduction of the infusion rate to
1 mg/kg/h should be considered. No reduction
in the bolus dose is needed. If a patient is on
haemodialysis, the infusion rate should be reduced
to 0.25 mg/kg/h.
Abciximab
No specific recommendations for the use of

abciximab, or for dose adjustment in the case of
renal failure. Careful evaluation of haemorrhagic
risk is needed before using the drug in the case of
renal failure.
Eptifibatide
The infusion dose should be reduced to

1 g/kg/min in patients with CrCl <50 mL/min.
The dose of the bolus remains unchanged at
180 g/kg. Eptifibatide is contraindicated in
patients with CrCl <30 mL/min.
Tirofiban
Dose adaptation is required in patients with renal

failure; 50% of the bolus dose and infusion if CrCl
is <30 mL/min.
Recommendations for the use of drugs listed in this table may vary depending on
the exact labelling of each drug in the country where it is used.
CrCl creatinine clearance.
setting of NSTE-ACS, the outcome of CKD patients improved

with invasive management, not only at end-stage renal failure but
also at the stage of moderate CKD. In observational studies an
early invasive therapy is associated with better 1-year survival in
patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency, but the
benefit decreases with worse renal function, and is uncertain in
those with renal failure or on dialysis.
Patients with CKD are at risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.
This risk is increased in patients with older age and diabetes. In the
case of urgent angiography the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy must be balanced against the ischaemic risk. Hydration before
(12 h) and following (24 h) angiography and/or angioplasty is the
strategy that has been shown to have the greatest impact in reducing the risk of this nephropathy. The amount of contrast should
5.5.4 Chronic kidney disease

Renal dysfunction is present in 3040% of patients with
NSTE-ACS.266,267 Kidney function is best assessed with eGFR
according to the MDRD equation, which includes ethnicity and
sex in its calculation. It should be calculated in all patients with
or at increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In daily clinical practice, however, CrCl calculated with the Cockroft Gault
formula may also be used. For definitions of CKD, see the previous
guideline.3
Patients with CKD more frequently present with heart failure
and without typical chest pain.268 Patients with NSTE-ACS and
CKD often do not receive guideline-recommended therapy.
CKD is associated with a very adverse prognosis,266,268 and is an
independent predictor of short- and long-term mortality and of
major bleeding in patients with NSTE-ACS.267
Table 10 Recommendations for the use of

antithrombotic drugs in CKD
3034
ESC Guidelines
Recommendations for patients with CKD

Recommendations
Level b
Ref C
Kidney function should be

assessed by CrCl or eGFR in
patients with NSTE-ACS, with
special attention to elderly
people, women, and patients
with low body weight, as near
normal serum creatinine levels
may be associated with lower
than expected CrCl and eGFR
levels.
Patients with NSTE-ACS and

CKD should receive the same
first-line antithrombotic
treatment as patients devoid
of CKD, with appropriate dose
adjustments according to the
severity of renal dysfunction.
269, 270
Depending on the degree

of renal dysfunction, dose
adjustment or switch to
UFH with fondaparinux,
enoxaparin, bivalirudin, as well
as dose adjustment with small
molecule GP IIb/IIIa receptor
inhibitors are indicated.
269, 270
UFH infusion adjusted to aPTT

is recommended when CrCl is
<30 mL/min or eGFR is
<30 mL/min/1.73 m2 with most
anticoagulants (fondaparinux
<20 mL/min).
Patients with NSTE-ACS and heart failure less frequently receive
evidence-based therapies, including b-blockers and ACE inhibitors
or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), coronary angiography,
and revascularization.50,274 All recommendations derived from
post-MI studies may be extrapolated to NSTE-ACS patients with
heart failure and are found in the respective guidelines.275
Recommendations for patients with heart failure

I
In patients with NSTE-ACS

and CKD considered for
invasive strategy, hydration and
low- or iso-osmolar contrast
medium at low volume
(<4 mL/kg) are recommended.
CABG or PCI is
recommended in patients
with CKD amenable to
revascularization after careful
assessment of the riskbenefit
ratio in relation to the severity
of renal dysfunction.
Recommendations
148, 272
273
Level of evidence.
c
References.
aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time; CABG coronary artery bypass
graft; CKD chronic kidney disease; CrCl creatinine clearance; eGFR
estimated glomerular filtration rate; GP glycoprotein; NSTE-ACE
non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome; PCI percutaneous coronary
intervention; UFH unfractionated heparin.
b
be maintained at ,4 mL/kg. Further details are given in the ESC

revascularization guidelines.148 Owing to a lack of prospective
data, the choice of revascularization mode and stent type should
be made as in stable CAD, with special consideration of the
patients individual risk and life expectancy.
Class a
Level b
Ref C
-Blockers and ACE-inhibitors/

ARBs appropriately titrated
are indicated in patients with
NSTE-ACS and LV dysfunction
with or without signs of heart
failure.
275
Aldosterone inhibitors,
preferably eplerenone, are
indicated in patients with
NSTE-ACS, LV dysfunction,
and heart failure.
275277

LV dysfunction or heart failure
are recommended to undergo
coronary revascularization, if
amenable to it.
209

severe LV dysfunction should
be considered after 1 month
for device therapy (CRT and/
or implantable cardioverter
defibrillator) in addition to
optimal medical therapy
whenever indicated.
IIa
275, 278
Level of evidence.
References.
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme; ARB angiotensin receptor blocker;
CRT cardiac resynchronization therapy; LV left ventricular; NSTE-ACS
non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.
b
c
Class a
5.5.5 Left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure

Heart failure is one of the most frequent and deadly complications
of NSTE-ACS,274 although its incidence may be declining.50 Both
LVEF and heart failure are independent predictors of mortality
and other major adverse cardiac events in NSTE-ACS.
Heart failure is more common in older patients, and is associated with a worse prognosis whether it presents on admission
or during hospitalization.274 In patients presenting with heart
failure without chest pain, ACS may be difficult to diagnose
due to a troponin rise related to acute heart failure. In these
patients it might be impossible to distinguish acute heart
failure only, from NSTEMI complicated with heart failure. Coronary angiography may be needed to differentiate the two
conditions.
3035
ESC Guidelines
5.5.6 Extreme body weights

Low body weight is associated with an increased risk of death or
MI, and particularly of bleeding, which is frequently due to inappropriate dosing of antithrombotic drugs.279 Normal creatinine
levels in patients with low body weight may conceal renal insufficiency, particularly in elderly patients, which may increase the
risk of toxicity or secondary effects of drugs with renal excretion.
Therefore, it is recommended to estimate CrCl in patients with
low body weight and adjust i.v. drug doses accordingly.
Although obesity is associated with a higher risk of coronary
events in the population, obese patients with NSTE-ACS show
better in-hospital and 1-year outcomes, including lower bleeding
risk, which has been called the obesity paradox.279,280 Obese
patients have more risk factors but are younger. In general, these
patients are more likely to receive evidence-based therapies,
which may explain the better outcome.280
5.5.8 Anaemia
Anaemia is associated with a worse prognosis (cardiovascular
death, MI, or recurrent ischaemia) across the spectrum of
ACS.69 Beyond the hospital phase, persistent or worsening
anaemia is associated with increased mortality or heart failure
compared with patients who have no anaemia or resolving
anaemia.282 Anaemia is associated with more co-morbidities,
such as older age, diabetes, and renal failure, but also noncardiovascular conditions (haemorrhagic diathesis or malignancy),
which may account partly for the adverse prognosis. Baseline
Recommendations for anaemia

Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
Low baseline haemoglobin

is an independent marker
of the risk of ischaemic and
bleeding events and therefore
haemoglobin measurement
is recommended for risk
stratification.
69, 283
Blood transfusion is only

recommended in the case of
compromised haemodynamic
status or haematocrit <25% or
haemoglobin level <7 g/dL.
287
Level of evidence.
c
References.
b
5.5.7 Non-obstructive coronary artery disease

A sizeable proportion of patients (!15%) with NSTE-ACS have
normal coronary arteries or non-obstructive lesions. The pathophysiology of NSTE-ACS is not homogeneous and possible mechanisms include: a coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetals angina), an
intramural plaque complicated by acute thrombosis with
subsequent recanalization, coronary emboli, and syndrome X.
In patients admitted with suspected NSTE-ACS, the demonstration of normal or near-normal coronary arteries at angiography
challenges the diagnosis. However, ST-segment changes and
release of biomarkers in patients with typical chest pain and
patent coronary arteries without significant stenotic lesions may
be due to true necrosis rather than false-positive results. This
tends to be more common in women. Relevant atherosclerotic
burden may be present even in the absence of angiographically significant stenoses because it may occur in a diffuse manner and lead
to arterial wall remodelling in which the wall thickens and expands
outwards without encroaching on the lumen. The prognosis of
these patients appears to be better than that of patients with
NSTE-ACS and significant coronary atherosclerosis, and they
therefore merit optimal antithrombotic therapy and secondary
prevention with antiplatelet agents and statins.281
Prinzmetals variant angina refers to a frequently unrecognized
syndrome of chest pain secondary to myocardial ischaemia that
is not precipitated by physical exertion or emotional stress, and
is associated with transient ST-segment elevation. The underlying
pathological mechanism is spasm of an epicardial coronary artery
that may occur at sites of severe focal stenoses, but typically is
seen on angiography at sites of minimal atherosclerotic disease.
Patients with variant angina tend to be younger than those with
conventional NSTE-ACS and are often heavy smokers. The symptoms are often severe and may be accompanied by syncope.
Attacks of Prinzmetals angina tend to be clustered between midnight and 8 am The spasm may be spontaneous or provoked by
acetylcholine, a cold pressor test, or hyperventilation. The mainstay therapy for Prinzmetals angina is the administration of calcium
antagonists, shown to be effective in preventing coronary spasm,
alone or in combination with nitrates. They should be prescribed
at maximally tolerated doses.
The term syndrome X is used to describe patients with angina

precipitated by exercise, ST-segment depression on stress test, and
non-obstructed coronary arteries at angiography. The chest pain
may increase in frequency or intensity, or may occur at rest.
Patients may present with typical features of unstable angina. The
prognosis is usually excellent. The real cause of the syndrome
has not been established, but it is most frequently associated
with impaired endothelial-dependent arterial vasodilatation,
decreased nitric oxide production, and increased sensitivity to
sympathetic stimulation. There is growing evidence that such
patients often have an increased response to pain. Because the
prognosis is excellent, the most important therapy is reassurance
and symptom relief, for which nitrates, b-blockers, and calcium
antagonists have been found to be effective.
Apical ballooning (Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy) may present
clinically as STEMI or NSTE-ACS, and is characterized by normal
coronary arteries at angiography accompanied by apical and sometimes medioventricular or basal akinesia unrelated to the distribution of a coronary artery. It is more frequent in women and
occurs typically after major emotional stress. The LV dysfunction
is generally reversible within days to weeks.
In rare cases, NSTE-ACS with a normal or near-normal coronary arteriogram is linked to coronary embolism, due to AF or atrial
flutter. As AF is often clinically unrecognized, the frequency of this
mechanism of NSTE-ACS may be underestimated.
3036
haemoglobin was also shown to be an independent predictor of
the risk of bleeding: the lower the baseline haemoglobin the
higher
the
risk,
for
both
procedure-related
and
non-procedure-related bleeding.283
The management of patients with NSTE-ACS and anaemia is
empirical. It is important to identify the cause of anaemia, particularly if it is due to occult bleeding. Special attention should be given
to the antithrombotic therapy. The use of a DES should be restrictive due to the need for long-term DAPT. The indication for angiography and the access site (radial approach) must be critically
considered to avoid further blood loss.284,285 Red blood cell
transfusions should be given only with strict indication, as there
is evidence that transfusions are associated with an increased
mortality in patients with NSTE-ACS. Observational studies
suggest that transfusions should be avoided as long as haematocrit
is .25% and anaemia is well tolerated.286
not available for the PLATO study. There was no difference in

the overall rate of major bleeding, but there was a gradual
excess of non-CABG major bleedings over time with a HR of
1.19 (95% CI 1.021.38; P ,0.03) at 1 year.132 In a setting of
stable vascular disease, the same gradual increase in risk of bleeding
with clopidogrel vs. placebo was observed, with a HR of 1.88 (95%
CI 1.452.45; P 0.001) at 1-year follow-up.294 Thus, bleeding
risk is highest during the first 30 days, but long-term exposure
to potent antiplatelet therapy leads to a persistent increase in
the risk of bleeding.
The independent predictors of major bleeding, established from
trials and registries, are baseline characteristics, particularly age,
female sex, history of bleeding, baseline haemoglobin, diabetes,
and renal insufficiency. Declining renal function, particularly for
CrCl levels ,60 mL/min, has a major impact on the risk of bleeding. Treatment modalities also play a major role. Bleeding risk
increases with the number of antithrombotic drugs in use, including
anticoagulants, aspirin, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, and particularly
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, as well as use of the femoral
rather than the radial approach.284,285 In addition, excessive
dosage of drugs, frequent in those at highest risk of bleeding
such as women, the elderly, or patients with renal failure, has a
major impact on bleeding risk.168 Furthermore, the combination
of DAPT and VKAs, often formally indicated in ACS patients, has
the potential to increase bleeding risk.295 For bleeding risk
scores see Section 4.4.
The mechanisms that mediate the negative impact of bleeding on
outcome remain unclear. The main component of the risk is probably the need to discontinue antiplatelet and antithrombotic drugs
when bleeding occurs, as this leads to an increased risk of ischaemic events, particularly stent thrombosis after PCI. Furthermore,
since the risk factors for bleeding and ischaemic events largely
overlap, it is possible that higher risk patients are exposed to
both risks and submitted to the most aggressive medical and invasive strategies. In the GRACE registry, the increase in the risk of
bleeding with declining renal function parallels the increase in the
risk of death. This finding has been confirmed in a post-hoc analysis
of the OASIS-5 study, where it was shown that the risk of bleeding
mirrored an increasing GRACE risk score.296 Hence, the occurrence of bleeding may simply be a precipitating factor for worse
outcome in an already frail population. Other factors may
contribute to the higher risk of death in patients who bleed,
namely the haemodynamic consequences of the bleed, the potential deleterious effects of blood transfusion, and the prothrombotic
or proinflammatory state triggered by bleeding.297,298
Management of bleeding complications
Prevention of bleeding has become as important a target as is the
prevention of ischaemic events. Therefore, risk assessment in
patients with NSTE-ACS needs to address the risk of both thrombotic and bleeding complications. Prevention of bleeding encompasses the choice of safer drugs, appropriate dosage (taking into
account age, sex, and CrCl), reduced duration of antithrombotic
treatment, use of a combination of antithrombotic and antiplatelet
agents according to proven indications, and the choice of a radial
over a femoral approach if an invasive strategy is used.299 Use of
closure devices and bivalirudin rather than conventional
5.5.9 Bleeding and transfusion

Bleeding is the most frequent non-ischaemic complication
observed in the management of NSTE-ACS, as well as in other
clinical settings such as STEMI, PCI, and cardiac surgery. In the previous document,3 the importance of bleeding was addressed in
detail, which has been confirmed by new studies. Therefore, this
document will focus only on novel findings.
Because of the lack of a universally accepted definition for
bleeding, its true frequency is still difficult to assess across trials
and registries. The Universal Definition of bleeding as proposed
by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium may help to
make assessment of bleeding more objective in the future.288
Interestingly, the rate of bleeding observed in registries has
reportedly decreased over the past 7 years, despite more frequent use of aggressive pharmacological therapies with dual or
triple antiplatelet therapy plus anticoagulants, and greater use of
invasive strategies for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.289
This may indicate that clinicians have become more aware of
the risk incurred by bleeding in the management of ACS, and
that they may have adapted their management strategies
accordingly.
Irrespective of the scale used to assess bleeding, many reports
confirmed the dose-dependent association between bleeding and
risk of death or other ischaemic events. Major bleeding was
shown to be associated with a four-fold increase in the risk of
death, a five-fold increase in risk of recurrent MI, and a three-fold
increase in risk of stroke at 30 days.290 These data have been
confirmed in further analyses of the GRACE registry and in clinical
trials such as OASIS-5291 and ACUITY.292 Minor bleeding can also
influence outcome, albeit to a lesser extent.
Bleeding has been studied extensively at the initial phase of ACS
(i.e. in the first 30 days), while the risk of bleeding incurred by longterm potent antiplatelet therapy (from 30 days to the end of
follow-up or 1 year) has been less well analysed. In the CURE
study,111 the risk of any major bleed was 1.54% in the placebo
group and 2.01% in the clopidogrel group in the first 30 days; corresponding data from 30 days to 1 year were 1.18% for placebo
and 1.75% for clopidogrel. In TRITON, with an invasive protocol,
the rate of major bleeding was 1.23% for clopidogrel vs. 1.71%
for prasugrel from 30 to 450 days.293 Corresponding figures are
ESC Guidelines
3037
ESC Guidelines
Impact of blood transfusion

Blood transfusion has detrimental effects (excess death and MI, but
also lung infections) in many clinical settings, including ACS, PCI,
cardiac surgery, and acute critical care.286,298 The mechanisms of
the deleterious effects of blood transfusions are multifactorial
and mostlybut not onlyrelated to blood storage. The negative
impact of blood transfusion on outcome depends largely on the
nadir haematocrit or haemoglobin level at which the transfusion
is administered. Blood transfusion has a favourable impact if
given for haematocrit values ,25%, but not above this
value.286,298 In this regard, a restrictive transfusion policy with a
trigger set at 7 g/dL, and a target haemoglobin level of 910 g/dL,
Recommendations for bleeding complications

Recommendations
Class a
Level b
Ref C
Assessment of the individual

bleeding risk is recommended
on the basis of baseline
characteristics (by use of risk
scores), type, and duration of
pharmacotherapy.
83
Drugs or combinations of
drugs and non-pharmacological
procedures (vascular access)
known to carry a reduced
risk of bleeding are indicated
in patients at high risk of
bleeding.
196, 285,
299
Interruption and/or
neutralization of both
anticoagulant and antiplatelet
therapies is indicated in case
of major bleeding, unless it can
be adequately controlled by
specific haemostatic measures.
Co-medication of proton
pump inhibitors and
antithrombotic agents is
recommended in patients
at increased risk of
gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
125127
Minor bleeding should

preferably be managed
without interruption of active
treatments.
Interruption of antiplatelet
drugs and neutralization of
their activity with platelet
transfusion is recommended,
depending on the drugs under
consideration and the severity
of bleeding.
Blood transfusion may

have deleterious effects on
outcome, and is therefore
indicated only after individual
assessment, but withheld
in haemodynamically stable
patients with haematocrit
>25% or haemoglobin level
>7 g/dL.
287, 298
Erythropoietin is not indicated

as a treatment for anaemia or
blood loss.
III
303
Level of evidence.
c
References.
b
was shown to derive better clinical outcome than a liberal transfusion policy in the setting of acute care.287,302 In haemodynamically
stable patients it is now increasingly recommended to consider
anticoagulants plus GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors was shown to

impact favourably on bleeding risk in a pooled analysis of data
from the ACUITY and HORIZONS studies.300
Gastrointestinal bleeds make up !50% of all spontaneous
bleeding events during the initial phase of ACS. Thus proton
pump inhibitors are indicated during the initial phase of ACS, particularly in patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleed or peptic
ulcer. The potential interaction of clopidogrel with omeprazole,
but less for other proton pump inhibitors, does not appear to
be clinically important (see Section 5.2.2).
Minor bleeding, unless persistent, does not require the interruption of active treatments. Major bleeding such as gastrointestinal,
retroperitoneal, intracranial, or other severe blood loss requires
the interruption and neutralization of both antiplatelet and antithrombotic treatment, if bleeding cannot be controlled by appropriate interventions. It may not be necessary to interrupt treatment
with antithrombotic agents if complete control of the haemorrhage can be obtained with local measures. In clinical practice,
the risk of interrupting antithrombotic agents must be weighed
against the risk of a thrombotic event, particularly if the patient
has had a stent implantation.
UFH can be inhibited by an equimolar concentration of protamine sulfate. Protamine sulfate has less impact on the neutralization of enoxaparin and has no effect on fondaparinux or
bivalirudin. Bivalirudin has a very short half-life, with the result
that it may not be necessary to neutralize it. In the case of fondaparinux, recombinant factor VIIa has been recommended, but is
associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications.301
There is no known antidote to irreversible antiplatelet agents
such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or prasugrel. Therefore, their action
can be neutralized only by transfusion of fresh platelets. This is
largely the same for ticagrelor shortly (,3 days) after withdrawal
of the drug.
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have different pharmacological
properties that are important to consider when evaluating the
modalities for reversal. Small molecules (tirofiban and eptifibatide)
bind reversibly to the receptor and are swiftly eliminated by the
renal route, with the result that a return to normal platelet function can be expected within 48 h after interruption of the infusion. With abciximab a return to normal platelet function takes
!48 h after drug discontinuation.
Antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation agents should not be reintroduced until strict control of the haemorrhage has been obtained
for at least 24 h.
3038
transfusion only for baseline haemoglobin levels ,7 g/dL, whereas
no restrictions apply to patients in unstable haemodynamic
situations.
ESC Guidelines
Recommendations for thrombocytopenia

Recommendations
Iron and erythropoietin therapy

Iron therapy is required in the presence of anaemia associated with
iron deficiency or bleeding with massive blood loss. The treatment
of iron deficiency comprises long-term oral administration of iron
supplements. I.v iron administration can be used if oral administration is poorly tolerated. Concomitant administration of erythropoietin or derivatives cannot be given in the setting of ACS
because of an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, stroke,
and acute coronary events.303
Immediate interruption of GP IIb/IIIa

receptor inhibitors and/or heparin (UFH or
LMWH) is indicated in the case of significant
thrombocytopenia (<100 000/L or >50% drop in
platelet count) occurring during treatment.
Platelet transfusion with or without fibrinogen

supplementation with fresh frozen plasma or
cryoprecipitate in the case of bleeding is indicated in
the case of severe thrombocytopenia (<10 000/L)
induced by GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors.
Interruption of heparin (UFH or LMWH) is

indicated in the case of documented or suspected
HIT, to be replaced by a DTI in the case of
thrombotic complications.
Anticoagulants with a low risk of HIT or devoid of

risk of HIT (such as fondaparinux or bivalirudin) or
brief administration of heparin (UFH or LMWH)
in cases where these compounds are chosen as
anticoagulantis recommended to prevent the
occurrence of HIT.
Level of evidence.
DTI direct thrombin inhibitor; GP glycoprotein; HIT heparin-induced
thrombocytopenia; LMWH low molecular weight heparin; UFH
unfractionated heparin.
b
frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate either alone or in combination

with platelet transfusion has also been advocated.
5.6 Long-term management

Secondary prevention is of paramount importance since ischaemic
events continue to accrue at a high rate after the acute phase. In a database of 16 321 ACS patients, 20% of all patients were rehospitalized
and 18% of the men and 23% of the women .40 years of age died
during the first year following the ischaemic index event.304
In this context, secondary prevention has a major impact on
long-term outcome. Long-term management after NSTE-ACS
was described in detail in the previous version of the guidelines
and this remains valid.3 In addition, detailed recommendations on
secondary prevention have been extensively described in the
ESC guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical
practice.252 The ESC guidelines address all patients at risk for cardiovascular disease or with overt cardiovascular disease. Established cardiovascular disease places a patient in the high risk
group. The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines on secondary prevention specifically address the patient group after an acute cardiac event (i.e.
secondary prevention).305 This section will therefore focus only
on new developments in the field. For more detailed information,
refer to the above-mentioned documents. For specific goals in secondary prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors
5.5.10 Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia can occur during treatment of NSTE-ACS.
Thrombocytopenia is defined as a decrease in platelet count to
,100 000/mL or a drop of .50% from baseline platelet count.
Thrombocytopenia is considered to be moderate if the platelet
count is between 20 000 and 50 000/mL, and severe if it is ,20
000/mL.
In the ACS setting, there are two main types of drug-induced
thrombocytopenia, i.e. HIT and GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitorinduced thrombocytopenia, with a different prognosis for each
type. Full information on each type of thrombocytopenia can be
found in the previous guidelines.3
HIT must be suspected when there is a drop of .50% in platelet count, or a decrease in platelet count to ,100 000/mL. It
occurs in up to 15% of patients treated with UFH, is less frequent
under LMWH, and is not seen with fondaparinux. Immediate interruption of UFH or LMWH therapy is mandatory, as soon as HIT is
suspected. Alternative antithrombotic therapy must be introduced,
even in the absence of thrombotic complications. Heparinoids
such as danaparoid sodium may be used, although in vitro crossreactions with UFH or LMWH have been observed, but apparently
without causing thrombosis. The alternative is to use direct thrombin inhibitors, such as argatroban, hirudin, or derivatives, which do
not carry any risk of thrombocytopenia, and make it possible to
have sustained and controllable antithrombotic activity that can
be monitored by aPTT, but dose response is non-linear and flattens out at higher doses. Fondaparinux also has the potential to
be used in this type of situation, since it has a potent antithrombotic effect, without any cross-reaction with platelets; however, it is
not approved for this indication.
GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor-induced thrombocytopenia has
been reported to occur at rates ranging from 0.5% to 5.6% in clinical trials, depending on the compound used. Severe and profound
thrombocytopenia due to GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors may
remain asymptomatic, with only minor bleeding at the access site
and minor oozing. Major bleeds are rare, but may be life threatening. It is recommended that all patients treated with GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors undergo a platelet count within 8 h of onset
of drug infusion or in the case of bleedings with all GP IIb/IIIa
receptor inhibitors. If platelet counts drop below 10 000/mL, discontinuation of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors as well as UFH or
enoxaparin is recommended. Platelet transfusions are indicated
in the case of bleeding. Fibrinogen supplementation with fresh
Class a Level b
3039
ESC Guidelines
Recommendations for drugs in secondary prevention

(see separate recommendations for antithrombotic
treatment)
Recommendations
Level b
Ref C
-Blockers are recommended

in all patients with reduced LV
systolic function (LVEF 40%).
314
ACE inhibitors are indicated

within 24 h in all patients with
LVEF 40% and in patients
with heart failure, diabetes,
hypertension, or CKD, unless
contraindicated
315, 316
ACE inhibitors are

recommended for all other
patients to prevent recurrence
of ischaemic events, with
preference given to agents and
doses of proven efficacy.
309, 310
ARBs are recommended for

patients who are intolerant
to ACE inhibitors, with
preference given to agents and
doses of proven efficacy.
311, 317
Aldosterone blockade with

eplerenone is indicated in
patients after MI who are
already being treated with
ACE inhibitors and -blockers
and who have an LVEF 35%
and either diabetes or heart
failure, without significant renal
dysfunction [serum creatinine
>221 mol/L (>2.5 mg/dL)
for men and >177 mol/L
(>2.0 mg/dL) for women] or
hyperkalaemia.
276, 277
Statin therapy with target

LDL-C levels <1.8 mmol/L
(<70 mg/dL) initiated
early after admission is
recommended.
313
Table 11 Performance measures in NSTEMI patients

Use of aspirin
Use of clopidogrel/prasugrel/ticagrelor
b
Level of evidence.
c
References.
CKD chronic kidney disease; LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol;
LV left ventricular; LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction; MI myocardial
infarction.
Use of UFH/enoxaparin/fondaparinux/bivalirudin
-Blocker at discharge in patients with LV dysfunction
Use of statins
Use of ACE-inhibitor or ARB
Use of early invasive procedures in intermediate- to high-risk
patients.
please refer to the table provided in the online Addenda (www.

escardio.org/guidelines).
All measures and treatments with proven efficacy in secondary
prevention should be implemented: lifestyle changes, control of
risk factors, and prescription of the pharmacological classes with
proven efficacy, namely aspirin, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors,
b-blockers, statins, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and eplerenone.
Recently, it has been shown that NSTE-ACS patients without
Smoking cessation advice/counselling

Enrolment in a secondary prevention/ cardiac rehabilitation
programme
LV left ventricular; NSTEMI, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction;
UFH unfractionated heparin.
Class a
release of cardiac biomarkers (unstable angina) are less likely to

receive guideline-oriented pharmacological secondary prevention
as compared with NSTEMI patients.59 It should be emphasized,
therefore, that all ACS patients do benefit from comprehensive secondary prevention.
Enrolment in a cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programme can enhance patient compliance with the medical regimen
and is particularly advised to those with multiple modifiable risk
factors and to moderate to high risk patients in whom supervised guidance is warranted. The degree of benefit associated with secondary
prevention measures was documented in a follow-up study of
patients from the OASIS-5 trial. In this study, patients with
NSTE-ACS were encouraged to adhere to a healthy diet, regular
physical activity, and smoking cessation 30 days after onset of symptoms. Patients who adhered to both diet and exercise showed an
RRR of 54% for MI, stroke, or death (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.38 0.57;
P ,0.0001), and for those who gave up smoking an RRR of 43%
for MI (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.360.89; P 0.0145).306 Two other
studies confirmed that implementation of secondary prevention
measures after ACS saves at least the same number of lives as treatment delivered during the acute phase.307,308
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are well established in secondary
prevention309,310 and are especially indicated in patients with
reduced LV function. In patients with ACE intolerance, an ARB is
an established alternative, and telmisartan has proven non-inferior
to ramipril in a large study, with fewer side effects than with ACE
inhibitors.311 The combination of ACE inhibitors and ARBs is
generally not recommended. As with ACE inhibitors, it has to be
assumed that the conclusions for ARBs apply to patients with
recent NSTE-ACS.
Aldosterone antagonists, namely eplerenone, have been shown
to reduce cardiovascular mortality after MI in patients with
reduced LV function (LVEF 35%) even in only mildly symptomatic patients.277 Therefore, these results may also be extrapolated to NSTE-ACS patients with reduced LV function.
3040
ESC Guidelines
mortality.318 Thus, priority needs to be given to improving the

uptake of evidence-based guidelines.
The benefit/risk of the recommended treatments in terms of
NNT and numbers needed to harm can be assessed as depicted
in Figure 4.
Continuous monitoring of performance indicators is strongly
encouraged to enhance the quality of treatment and minimize
unwarranted variations in evidence-based care. Consistent application of therapies based on robust evidence (Figure 4) may have
larger effects on real-life cardiovascular health than those seen in
selected trial populations, especially with the combined implementation of several effective treatment modalities. Such programmes
have been implemented successfully in several countries, including
Sweden [Register of Information and Knowledge about Swedish
Heart Intensive care Admissions (RIKS-HIA) registry], the UK
Statins are recommended for all NSTE-ACS patients (in the

absence of contraindications), irrespective of cholesterol levels,
initiated early (within 1 4 days) after admission, with the aim of
achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of
,2.6 mmol/L (,100 mg/dL). This is based on several large-scale
trials with atorvastatin and pravastatin. A meta-analysis of early
statin therapy did not reveal benefit of outcome in the first 4
months.312 However, on extended follow-up over 2 years, a 19%
reduction of deaths and cardiovascular events could be demonstrated. Further event rate reduction was demonstrated by reducing the LDL-C levels to ,1.81 mmol/L (,70 mg/dL).313 The
dose to achieve maximal benefit appears high (e.g. 80 mg of atorvastatin). The effect seems to be independent of and in addition to
the anti-inflammatory effect (hsCRP reduction) of statins. It is
unknown whether the results observed with atorvastatin and
pravastatin represent a class effect.
6. Performance measures
Recommendations
Development of regional and/or national
programmes to measure performance indicators
systematically and provide feedback to individual
hospitals is recommended.
Variations in the application of evidence-based strategies are

associated with differences in outcome. Several large registries
have shown deficiencies in the treatment of NSTEMI patients
when compared with recommendations from contemporary
guidelines. Underutilization of evidence-based treatments is
common. Adherence to guidelines has been correlated with
improvements in patient outcomes in ACS, including reduced
Size
Class a Level b
Level of evidence.
Death or MI at 30 days
Major Bleeds
Aspirin vs. Ctrl
3096
0.47
17
1.4
-303
Heparin vs. Ctrl
2859
0.55
31
2.3
-158
GP IIb/IIIa vs. Ctrl 31 402
0.91
111
1.6
-160
LMWH vs. UFH
21 946
0.91
113
1.1
-258
DTI vs. UFH
24 701
0.93
176
1.0
Fonda vs. Enox
20 078
0.90
154
7962
0.84
63
Invasive vs. Cons
Exp+
0%
0.5
Incidence
Ctrl+
OR and 95% CI
Exp+
0.62
Ctrl+
1 10 102 103 10 1 0%
NNT and 95% CI
Exp+
15% 0.5
Incidence
55
Ctrl+
OR and 95% CI
Exp+
Ctrl+
1 10 102 103 10 1
NNH and 95% CI
Figure 4 Benefit and risk for different treatment modalities. CI confidence interval; Cons conservative; Ctrl control; DTI direct
thrombin inhibitor; Enox enoxaparin; Exp + experimental therapy; Fonda fondaparinux; GP glycoprotein; LMWH low molecular
weight heparin; MI myocardial infarction; NNH numbers needed to harm; NNT numbers needed to treat; OR odds ratio; UFH
unfractionated heparin.
Recommendations for performance measures
3041
ESC Guidelines
[Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP) registry],

Germany, Italy, and Israel on a regional basis, or in intermittent
programmes in many other countries. These performance
measure programmes are also proposed and developed by the
ESC through the continuous ACS Registry within the Euro Heart
Survey Programme.
The most useful performance indicators for monitoring and
improving the standards of care in NSTEMI are listed in Table 11.
7. Management strategy
Step one: initial evaluation

Chest pain or discomfort suggestive of ACS or other symptoms as
described in Section 3.1 will lead to the patient seeking medical
attention or hospitalization. A patient with suspected NSTE-ACS
must be evaluated in a hospital and seen immediately by a qualified
physician. Specialized chest pain units or coronary care units
provide the best and most expeditious care.47
The initial step is to assign the patient without delay to a working
diagnosis on which the treatment strategy will be based. The
assessment criteria are the following:
Quality of chest pain and a symptom-orientated physical
examination
Assessment of the likelihood of CAD (e.g. age, risk factors,
previous MI, CABG, PCI)
ECG (to detect ST-segment deviation or other abnormality).
Oxygen
Insufflation (48 L/min) if oxygen saturation is <90%
Nitrates
Sublingual or intravenous (caution if systolic blood

pressure is <90 mmHg)
Morphine
35 mg intravenous or subcutaneously, if severe pain
or I, creatinine, haemoglobin, blood glucose, and blood cell

count, in addition to standard biochemistry tests.
Assignment of the patient to the NSTE-ACS category will lead
on to step twodiagnosis validation and risk assessment.
Step two: diagnosis validation and risk

assessment
After the patient is assigned to the group NSTE-ACS, i.v. and oral
antithrombotic treatments will be started according to Table 13.
Further management of the patient will be based on additional
information/data:
Responsiveness to antianginal treatment.
Routine clinical chemistry, particularly troponins (on presentation and after 6 9 h) and other markers, according to
working diagnoses (e.g. D-dimers, BNP, NT-proBNP); if highly
sensitive troponin assays are available, a fast track rule-out
protocol (3 h) may be implemented (Figure 5).
Repeat or continuous ST-segment monitoring (when available).
Ischaemic risk score assessment (GRACE score).
Echocardiogram;
Table 13 Checklist of treatments when an ACS
diagnosis appears likely
Aspirin
Initial dose of 150300 mg non-enteric

formulation followed by 75100 mg/day
(i.v. administration is acceptable)
P2Y 12 inhibitor
Loading dose of ticagrelor or clopidogrela
Anticoagulation
Choice between different options depends on

strategy:
Fondaparinux 2.5 mg/daily subcutaneously
Enoxaparin 1 mg/kg twice daily subcutaneously
UFH i.v. bolus 6070 IU/kg (maximum 5000 IU)
followed by infusion of 1215 IU/kg/h
(maximum 1000 IU/h) titrated to
aPTT 1.52.5 control
Bivalirudin is indicated only in patients with
a planned invasive strategy
Oral -Blocker
If tachycardic or hypertensive without signs of

heart failure
On the basis of these findings, which should be available within

10 min of first medical contact, the patient can be assigned to
one of the three major working diagnoses:
STEMI
NSTE-ACS;
ACS (highly) unlikely.
The treatment of patients with STEMI is covered in the respective
guidelines.2 The assignment to the category unlikely must be done
with caution and only when another explanation is obvious (e.g.
thorax trauma). The initial treatment measures are summarized
in Table 12.
Blood is drawn on arrival of the patient in hospital and the
results should be available within 60 min to be used in the
second step. Initial blood tests must at least include: troponin T
aPTT activated partial thromboplastin time; IU international units; i.v.

intravenous; UFH unfractionated heparin.
a
Prasugrel is not mentioned as it is not approved as medical therapy before
invasive strategy, but only after angiography when anatomy is known.
This section summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic steps as

discussed in detail in the previous sections and translates the key
elements into checklists and a workflow. This allows standardization of the clinical routine work-up and thereby improves
quality of care. However, specific findings in individual patients
may result in appropriate deviations from the proposed strategy
since NSTE-ACS encompasses a heterogeneous spectrum of
patients with different levels of risk in terms of death, MI, or recurrence of MI. For every patient, the physician must make an individual decision, taking into account the patients history (co-morbid
illnesses, age, etc.), his/her clinical condition, findings during the
initial assessment on first contact, and the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options.
Table 12 Initial therapeutic measures
3042
ESC Guidelines
Acute Chest Pain

hsTn < ULN
Pain >6h
hsTn > ULN
Pain <6h
Painfree, GRACE <140,

differential diagnoses excluded
Discharge/
Stress testing
+ clinical presentation
changea
(1 value > ULN)
hsTn no change
Work-up differential
diagnoses
Invasive
management
Figure 5 Rapid rule-out of ACS with high-sensitivity troponin. GRACE, GRACE Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events; hsTn highsensitivity troponin; ULN upper limit of normal, 99th percentile of healthy controls. aD change, dependent on assay (see Sections 3.2.3. and
4.3). At the end of this step, the decision has to be made whether the patient should go on to cardiac catheterization (Figure 6).
Optional: chest X-ray, CT, MRI or nuclear imaging for differential diagnoses (e.g. aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, etc.).
Bleeding risk assessment (CRUSADE score).
During step two, other diagnoses may be confirmed or
excluded, such as pulmonary embolism and aortic aneurysm (see
Table 4 and Section 3.3).
Treatment of the individual patient is tailored according to their
risk for subsequent events, which should be assessed early at the
initial presentation as well as repeatedly thereafter in the light of
continuing or repetitive symptoms and additional information
from clinical chemistry or imaging modalities.
Risk assessment is an important component of the decisionmaking process and is subject to constant re-evaluation. It
encompasses assessment of both ischaemic and bleeding risk.
The risk factors for bleeding and ischaemic events overlap
considerably, with the result that patients at high risk of
ischaemic events are also at high risk of bleeding. Therefore,
the choice of pharmacological environment (dual or triple antiplatelet therapy, or anticoagulants) is important, as is the dosage
of the drugs and the access site in the case of angiography.
Particular attention has to be paid to renal dysfunction, shown
to be particularly frequent in elderly patients and diabetic
patients. The pharmacological options are summarized in
Table 13.
Step three: invasive strategy

Cardiac catheterization followed by revascularization has been
shown to prevent recurrent ischaemia and/or improve shortand long-term outcomes. Several risk factors (troponin
elevation, diabetes, ST-segment depression, renal insufficiency,
etc.) have been identified to predict the long-term benefit of
an invasive strategy. Depending on the acuteness of risk, the
timing of angiography can be tailored, according to four categories (Figure 6):
invasive (,72 h);
urgent invasive (,120 min);
early invasive (,24 h);
primarily conservative.
The optimal timing depends on the risk profile of the individual

patient and can be assessed by several variables.
Urgent invasive strategy (<120 min after first medical

contact)
This should be undertaken for very high risk patients. These
patients are characterized by:
Refractory angina
abnormalities).
(indicating
evolving
MI
without
ST
hsTn no change
Highly abnormal Tn
Re-test hsTn: 3h
3043
ESC Guidelines
1. Clinical Evaluation
STEMI
2. Diagnosis/Risk Assessment
3. Coronary angiography
urgent
<120 min
reperfusion
Evaluation
Validation
Quality of chest pain

Symptom-orientated
physical examination
Short history for the
likelihood of CAD
Electrocardiogram
(ST elevation?)
Response to antianginal treatment

Biochemistry/troponin
ECG
Echocardiogram
Calculated risk score (GRACE)
Risk criteria (Table 9)
Optional: CT, MRI, scintigraphy
ACS
possible
early
<24 h
<72 h
Figure 6 Decision-making algorithm in ACS. ACS acute coronary syndrome; CAD coronary artery disease; CT computed tomography; ECG, electrocardiogram; GRACE Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events; MRI magnetic resonance imaging; STEMI ST-elevation
myocardial infarction.
Table 14 Checklist of antithrombotic treatments

prior to PCI
Aspirin
Confirm loading dose prior to PCI.
P2Y 12 inhibitor
Confirm loading dose of ticagrelor or clopidogrel

prior to PCI.
If P2Y12 nave, consider prasugrel
(if <75 years age, >60 kg, no prior stroke or TIA)
Anticoagulation
Fondaparinux pre-treated: add UFH for PCI

Enoxaparin pre-treated: add if indicated
UFH pre-treated: titrate to ACT >250 s, or
switch to bivalirudin (0.1 mg/kg bolus followed
by 0.25 mg/kg/h)
GP IIb/IIIa
receptor
inhibitor
Consider tirofiban or eptifibatide in patients

with high-risk anatomy or troponin elevation
Abciximab only prior to PCI in high-risk
patients.
ACT activated clotting time; GP, glycoprotein; PCI percutaneous coronary

intervention; TIA transient ischaemic attack; UFH unfractionated heparin.
time to catheterization. A checklist of antithrombotic treatments

prior to PCI is given in Table 14.
Early invasive strategy (<24 h after first medical contact)
Most patients initially respond to the antianginal treatment, but
are at increased risk and need angiography followed by revascularization. High risk patients as identified by a GRACE risk
score .140 and/or the presence of at least one primary high
risk criterion (Table 9) should undergo invasive evaluation
within 24 h.
Invasive strategy (<72 h after first medical contact)
In patients with less acute risk, according to Table 9, and without
recurrence of symptoms, angiography may be performed within
a time window of 72 h. Thus, such patients should undergo elective
invasive evaluation at the first opportunity depending on the local
circumstances.
Conservative strategy (no or elective angiography)
Patients that fulfil all of the following criteria may be regarded as
low risk and should not routinely be submitted to early invasive
evaluation:
Recurrent angina despite intense antianginal treatment, associated with ST depression (2 mm) or deep negative T waves.
Clinical symptoms of heart failure or haemodynamic instability
(shock).
Life-threatening arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia).
A GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor (eptifibatide or tirofiban) may be

considered in patients with such features in order to bridge the
Low risk as assessed by a risk score (see Section 4.4) should

support the decision-making process for a conservative strategy.
The further management of these patients is according to the
No recurrence of chest pain.

No signs of heart failure.
No abnormalities in the initial ECG or a second ECG (at 69 h).
No rise in troponin level (at arrival and at 69 h).
No inducible ischaemia.
no/elective
No CAD
3044
evaluation of stable CAD.319 Before discharge from hospital, a
stress test for inducible ischaemia is useful for treatment planning
and required before elective angiography.
ESC Guidelines
Table 15 Measures checked at discharge

Aspirin
Continue life long
If the angiogram shows atheromatous burden but no critical coronary lesions, patients will be referred for medical therapy. The
diagnosis of NSTE-ACS may be reconsidered and particular
attention paid to other possible reasons for symptoms at presentation, before the patient is discharged. However, the absence
of critical coronary lesions does not rule out the diagnosis if the
clinical presentation was suggestive of ischaemic chest pain and if
biomarkers were positive. In this situation, patients should
receive treatment according to the recommendations for
NSTE-ACS.
Recommendations for the choice of a revascularization modality
in NSTE-ACS are similar to those for elective revascularization
procedures. In patients with single-vessel disease, PCI with stenting
of the culprit lesion is the first choice. In patients with multivessel
disease, the decision for PCI or CABG must be made individually,
according to institutional protocols designed by the Heart Team.
A sequential approach, consisting of treating the culprit lesion with
PCI followed by elective CABG with proof of ischaemia and/or
functional assessment (FFR) of the non-culprit lesions, may be
advantageous in some patients.
The anticoagulant should not be changed during PCI. In
patients pre-treated with fondaparinux, UFH must be added
before PCI. A GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor should be considered if troponins are elevated or on angiographic presence of thrombus. If
CABG is planned, P2Y12 inhibitors should be stopped and
surgery deferred only if the clinical condition and the angiographic findings permit.
If angiography shows no options for revascularization, owing to
the extent of the lesions and/or poor distal run-off, freedom from
angina at rest should be achieved by intensified medical therapy,
and secondary preventive measures should be instituted.
P2Y 12 inhibitor
Continue for 12 months (unless at high risk of

bleeding)
-Blocker
If LV function depressed
ACE inhibitor/
ARB
If LV function depressed
Consider for patients devoid of depressed LV
function
Aldosterone
antagonist/
eplerenone
If depressed LV function (LVEF 35%) and either

diabetes or heart failure, without significant renal
dysfunction
Statin
Titrate to achieve target LDL-C levels

<1.8 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL)
Lifestyle
Risk-factor counselling, referral to cardiac

rehabilitation / secondary prevention programme
Step five: hospital discharge

and post-discharge management
Although in NSTE-ACS most adverse events occur in the early
phase, the risk for MI or death remains elevated over several

LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LV left ventricular; LVEF left
ventricular ejection fraction.
months. Patients treated with early revascularization are at low

(2.5%) risk for developing life-threatening arrhythmias, with 80%
occurring during the first 12 h after onset of symptoms.320 Accordingly, routine monitoring of the patients beyond 24 48 h is not
warranted. Patients with NSTE-ACS should be hospitalized for at
least 24 h after successful stenting of the culprit lesion.
Intense risk factor modification and lifestyle change are warranted
in all patients following the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS (see Section 5.6).
Enrolment in a cardiac rehabilitation programme after discharge can
enhance patient adherence to the medical regimen and may be supportive in risk factor modification. A checklist of measures necessary
at discharge from hospital is given in Table 15.
Acknowledgements
We are indebted to Dr Sebastian Szardien for his invaluable
support and editorial assistance during the preparation of the
manuscript.
The CME text ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation is accredited by the European
Board for Accreditation in Cardiology (EBAC). EBAC works according to the quality standards of the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME),
which is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). In compliance with EBAC/EACCME guidelines, all authors participating in this programme have disclosed
potential conflicts of interest that might cause a bias in the article. The Organizing Committee is responsible for ensuring that all potential conflicts of interest relevant to the programme are declared to the participants prior to the CME activities.
CME questions for this article are available at: European Heart Journal http://cme.oxfordjournals. org/cgi/hierarchy/oupcme_node;ehj and European Society of Cardiology http://
www.escardio.org/guidelines.
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European Heart Journal (2011) 32, 29993054

ESC Guidelines for the management of acute

ESC entities having participated in the development of this document:

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Authors/Task Force Members: Christian W. Hamm (Chairperson) (Germany)*,

5.5. Special populations and conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3030

Abbreviations and acronyms

Angioplasty to Blunt the Rise of Troponin in Acute

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Abbreviations and acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

left ventricular ejection fraction

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Evidence and/or general agreement

Conflicting evidence and/or a

Suggested wording to use

Usefulness/efficacy is less well

Evidence or general agreement that

Data derived from multiple randomized

Data derived from a single randomized

Consensus of opinion of the experts and/

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Acute Coronary Syndrome

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recommendations. To implement the guidelines, condensed pocket

The management of patients with STEMI is addressed in the ESC

2.1 Epidemiology and natural history

3.1 Clinical presentation

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Patients with acute chest pain and persistent

3.2 Diagnostic tools

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Prolonged pain is observed in 80% of patients, while de novo or

Table 3 Possible non-acute coronary syndrome

T and troponin I assays do not fulfil the precision criteria. Recently,

Other life-threatening conditions presenting with chest pain, such

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Cardiac contusion, ablation, pacing, cardioversion, or endomyocardial

Similarly, nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging has been shown

3.3 Differential diagnoses

Sickle cell crisis

Cerebrovascular disease Peptic ulcer

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Invasive imaging (coronary angiography)

with multivessel disease as well as those with left main stenosis

NSTE-ACS is an unstable coronary condition prone to ischaemic

4.1 Clinical risk assessment

4.2 Electrocardiogram indicators

and extent of ECG changes.52,53 The number of leads showing ST

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hospital stay are strongly predictive of outcome, and persistently

4.4 Risk scores

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elevated.59 The increased risk associated with elevated troponin

Table 5 Mortality in hospital and at 6 months50 in low,

GRACE risk score

GRACE risk score

enhance the discriminative power of the GRACE score and improve

Algorithm used to determine the risk score of

Creatinine clearance,a mL/min

Heart rate (b.p.m.)