Clinical Update: Acc/Aha/Ase/Chest/Saem/ SCCT/SCMR Guideline For The Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain
Clinical Update: Acc/Aha/Ase/Chest/Saem/ SCCT/SCMR Guideline For The Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain
Clinical Update: Acc/Aha/Ase/Chest/Saem/ SCCT/SCMR Guideline For The Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain
ADAPTED FROM:
ACC/AHA/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/
SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the
Evaluation and Diagnosis of
Chest Pain
Applying
− Treatment/strategy A is recommended/indicated in preference to
• Moderate-quality evidence‡ from 1 or more RCTs
treatment B
• Meta-analyses of moderate-quality RCTs
− Treatment A should be chosen over treatment B
ACC/AHA Class of CLASS 2a (MODERATE) Benefit >> Risk
LEVEL B-NR (Nonrandomized)
Evidence to
− Treatment/strategy A is probably recommended/indicated in preference to LEVEL C-LD (Limited Data)
treatment B
− It is reasonable to choose treatment A over treatment B • Randomized or nonrandomized observational or registry studies
Interventions,
• Physiological or mechanistic studies in human subjects
Suggested phrases for writing recommendations:
• May/might be reasonable LEVEL C-EO (Expert Opinion)
Diagnostic Testing CLASS 3: No Benefit (MODERATE) Benefit = Risk COR and LOE are determined independently (any COR may be paired with any LOE).
A recommendation with LOE C does not imply that the recommendation is weak. Many
in Patient Care
Suggested phrases for writing recommendations: important clinical questions addressed in guidelines do not lend themselves to clinical trials.
• Is not recommended Although RCTs are unavailable, there may be a very clear clinical consensus that a particular
test or therapy is useful or effective.
• Is not indicated/useful/effective/beneficial
†For comparative-effectiveness recommendation (COR 1 and 2a; LOE A and B only), studies
that support the use of comparator verbs should involve direct comparisons of the treatments
Suggested phrases for writing recommendations: or strategies being evaluated.
• Potentially harmful ‡The method of assessing quality is evolving, including the application of standardized,
• Causes harm widely-used, and preferably validated evidence grading tools; and for systematic reviews, the
incorporation of an Evidence Review Committee. COR indicates Class of Recommendation;
• Associated with excess morbidity/mortality EO, expert opinion; LD, limited data; LOE, Level of Evidence; NR, nonrandomized; R,
• Should not be performed/administered/other randomized; and RCT, randomized controlled trial.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 2
Defining Chest Pain
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 3
Early Care for Acute Symptoms
Patients presenting to the ED with nontraumatic chest pain
PRIORITIES
Evaluation of all patients to focus on
early identification or exclusion of
life-threatening causes such as:
• ACS • Nonvascular
Syndromes
• Aortic Dissection (e.g., esophageal rupture, Cardiac Chest Pain
tension pneumothorax)
• Pulmonary Embolism Characteristics
Characteristics of chest pain:
FOCUSED HISTORY OF CHEST PAIN • Retrosternal chest discomfort
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; and ED, emergency department.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 4
Getting the Chest Pain Diagnosis Right
Other Patient-Focused Considerations for Evaluation of Chest Pain
Women who present with chest pain In patients with chest pain Cultural competency training is
are at risk for underdiagnosis, and who are >75 years of age, recommended to help achieve the
potential cardiac causes should ACS should be considered best outcomes in patients of diverse
always be considered (Class 1).* when accompanying racial and ethnic backgrounds who
symptoms such as present with chest pain (Class 1).
shortness of breath,
In women presenting with chest pain, syncope, or acute delirium
it is recommended to obtain a history Among patients of diverse race and
are present, or when an ethnicity presenting with chest pain
that emphasizes accompanying unexplained fall has
symptoms that are more common in in whom English may not be their
occurred (Class 1). primary language, addressing
women with ACS (Class 1).**
language barriers with the use of
formal translation services is
* Traditional risk scores may underestimate risk in women
** Women are more likely to report multiple associated recommended (Class 1).
symptoms in addition to chest pain when presenting
with ACS
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 5
Physical Exam in Patients with Chest Pain
In patients presenting with chest pain, a focused cardiovascular examination should be
performed initially to aid in the diagnosis of ACS or other potentially serious causes of chest
pain (e.g., aortic dissection, PE, or esophageal rupture) and to identify complications (Class 1).
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; MR, mitral regurgitation; PE, pulmonary embolism; and S3, third heart sound.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 6
Physical Exam in Patients with Chest Pain; Other
Other Clinical Syndromes Physical Exam Findings
Non-coronary cardiac: • AS: Characteristic systolic murmur, tardus or parvus carotid pulse
• aortic stenosis • AR: Diastolic murmur at right of sternum, rapid carotid upstroke
• aortic regurgitation • HCM: Increased or displaced left ventricular impulse, prominent a wave in jugular venous
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pressure, systolic murmur that increases with Valsalva
• Pericarditis: Fever, pleuritic chest pain, increased in supine position, friction rub
Pericarditis/ Myocarditis • Myocarditis: Fever, chest pain, heart failure, S3
Esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, • Epigastric tenderness
gall bladder disease • Right upper quadrant tenderness, Murphy’s sign
Fever, localized chest pain, may be pleuritic, friction rub may be present, regional dullness to
Pneumonia percussion, egophony
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 7
What to do when patients present with chest pain …
at the office?
Patients with clinical evidence of ACS or other life-threatening
causes of acute chest pain seen in the office setting should be
transported urgently to the ED, ideally by EMS (Class 1).
For patients with acute chest pain and suspected ACS initially
evaluated in the office setting, delayed transfer to the ED for cTn
or other diagnostic testing should be avoided Class 3: Harm.
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; cTn, cardiac troponin; ECG, electrocardiogram;
ED, emergency department; HCP, healthcare provider; and STEMI, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 8
What to do when patients present with chest pain …
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; cTn, cardiac troponin; ECG, electrocardiogram;
ED, emergency department; HCP, healthcare provider; and STEMI, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 9
Electrocardiographic-Directed Management
of Chest Pain Chest Pain
History +
Physical Examination
ECG
(Class 1)
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 10
Additional Diagnostic Evaluation of Chest Pain
In patients presenting with acute chest pain, a chest radiograph is useful to evaluate
for other potential cardiac, pulmonary, and thoracic causes of symptoms (Class 1).
In patients presenting with acute chest pain, serial cTn I or T levels are useful to
identify abnormal values and a rising or falling pattern indicative of acute myocardial
injury (Class 1).
In patients presenting with acute chest pain, high-sensitivity cTn is the preferred
biomarker because it enables more rapid detection or exclusion of myocardial injury
and increases diagnostic accuracy (Class 1).
Clinicians should be familiar with the analytical performance and the 99th percentile
upper reference limit that defines myocardial injury for the cTn assay used at their
institution (Class 1).
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; cTn, cardiac troponin; ECG, electrocardiogram;
ED, emergency department; HCP, healthcare provider; and STEMI, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 11
Overview of Diagnostic Cardiac Testing
Favors use of CCTA Favors use of stress imaging
• Rule out obstructive CAD
Goal • Ischemia guided management
• Detect nonobstructive CAD
Availability and High quality imaging and expert High quality imaging and expert
expertise interpretation routinely available interpretation routinely available
Likelihood of
Age less than 65 Age greater or equal to 65
obstructive CAD
Prior test results Prior functional study inconclusive Prior CCTA inconclusive
• Suspect scar
• Anomalous coronary arteries
Other compelling (especially if PET or stress CMR available)
indications • Require evaluation of aorta or
• Suspect coronary microvascular
pulmonary arteries
dysfunction (when PET or CMR available)
Abbreviations: CAD indicates coronary artery disease; CCTA , coronary computed tomographic angiography;
CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance; and PET, positron emission tomography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 12
Diagnostic Testing:
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Indications for CCTA Contraindications to CCTA
1. To visualize and help to 1. Allergy to iodinated contrast
diagnose the extent and 2. Inability to cooperate with scan acquisition and
severity of nonobstructive and or breath-holding instructions
obstructive CAD.
3. Clinical instability (decompensated HF, severe
hypotension)
2. Allows for evaluation of 4. Renal impairments as defined by local protocols.
atherosclerotic plaque
composition and high-risk 5. Contraindication to beta blockade in the
features (e.g., positive presence of an elevated HR and no alternative
remodeling, low attenuation medications available for achieving target heart
plaque). rate
6. Heart rate variability and arrhythmia
7. Contraindication to nitroglycerin
Abbreviation: CAD indicates coronary artery disease; CCTA, coronary computed tomography angiography ; HF, heart failure; and HR, heart rate.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 13
Overview of Diagnostic Cardiac Stress Testing
STRESS TESTING INFORMATION
Stress
Exercise ECG SPECT MPI PET MRI Stress CMR MPI
echocardiography
Patient capable of
exercise
Pharmacologic
stress indicated
Quantitative flow
LV
dysfunction/scar
Abbreviations: CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance; ECG, electrocardiogram; LV, left ventricle; MPI; myocardial perfusion imaging MRI;
magnetic resonance imaging; and PET, positron emission tomography; and SPECT, single-photon emission computed tomography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 14
Diagnostic Testing: Exercise Electrocardiogram
Indications for Exercise ECG Contraindications to Exercise ECG
1. Candidates include those 1. Abnormal ST changes on resting ECG (>0.5mm ST
without disabling comorbidities depression), LVH, digoxin, LBBB, WPW pattern, ventricular
(frailty, marked obesity paced rhythm
(BMI>40kg/m2 ), PAD, COPD, or
orthopedic limitations 2. Unable to achieve METS ≥ 5 or unsafe to exercise
Abbreviation: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome, AS, aortic stenosis; AV, atrioventricular; BMI, body mass index; CCTA, coronary computed tomography angiography;
COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; ECG, electrocardiogram; HF, heart failure; LBBB, left bundle branch block; LVH, left ventricle hypertrophy; METS, metabolic
equivalent; PAD, peripheral artery disease; PE, pulmonary embolism; VT, ventricular tachycardia; and WPW, Wolff-Parkinson-White.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 15
Diagnostic Testing: Stress Echocardiography
Indications for Stress Contraindications to Contraindications to
Echocardiography Stress Echocardiography Dobutamine
(If Pharmacologic Stress test needed)
1. To define ischemia severity 1. Limited acoustic windows
and risk stratification after 1. AV block, uncontrolled AF
2. Inability to reach target HR
ACS has been ruled out. 2. Critical AS
3. Uncontrolled HF
2. Helpful with ultrasound- 3. Acute illness (acute PE, myocarditis,
enhancing agents in 4. High-risk unstable angina, ACS pericarditis, aortic dissection)
providing for left ventricular
opacification when ≥2 5. Serious ventricular arrhythmia or 4. Hemodynamically significant LV
contiguous segments or a high risk for arrhythmias outflow tract obstruction
coronary territory is poorly attributable to QT prolongation
visualized. 5. Contraindication to atropine use:
6. Respiratory failure narrow angle glaucoma, myasthenia
3. Assess coronary flow velocity 7. Severe COPD, acute PE, severe gravis, obstructive uropathy,
reserve in mid-distal left pulmonary HTN obstructive GI disorders
anterior descending
coronary artery to improve 8. Severe systemic arterial HTN (≥ 6. Contraindication to contrast:
200/110 mm Hg) hypersensitivity to perflutren, blood,
risk stratification.
blood products or albumin (for
Optison only)
Abbreviation: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; AF, atrial fibrillation; AS, aortic stenosis; AV, atrioventricular; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GI,
gastrointestinal; HF, heart failure; HR, heart rate; HTN, hypertension; LV, left ventricle; mm Hg indicates millimeters of mercury; PE, pulmonary embolism; and QT, QT
interval.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 16
Diagnostic Testing:
Stress Nuclear Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Indications for Contraindications to Contraindications to
PET or SPECT MPI Stress Nuclear MPI Vasodilator Administration
1. Detection of 1. High-risk unstable 1. Significant arrhythmias (VT, second- or
perfusion angina, complicated third-degree AV block) or sinus
abnormalities ACS or AMI (less than bradycardia <45 beats per minute
two days)
2. Measurement of 2. Significant hypotension
LV function 2. Severe systemic (systolic BP<90mm Hg)
arterial HTN (≥ 200/110
3. Detection of mm Hg) 3. Known or suspected bronchoconstrictive
high-risk findings or bronchospastic disease
(transient ischemic
dilation) 4. Recent use of dipyridamole or
dipyridamole containing medications
4. PET allows
calculation of 5. Use of methylxanthines (aminophylline,
myocardial blood caffeine) within 12 hours
flow reserve 6. Known hypersensitivity to adenosine or
regadenoson
Abbreviation: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; AMI, acute myocardial infarction; AV, atrioventricular; BP, blood pressure; HTN, hypertension;
LV, left ventricle; mm Hg, millimeters of mercury; MPI, myocardial perfusion imaging;
PET, positron emission tomography; SPECT, single-photon emission computed tomography; and VT, ventricular tachycardia.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 17
Diagnostic Testing:
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Abbreviation: CMR indicates cardiovascular magnetic resonance; GFR glomerular filtration rate;
LV left ventricle; m2, beam propagation ratio; mL, milliliter MPI, myocardial perfusion imaging; and RV right ventricle.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 18
Diagnostic Cardiac Testing:
Women in Pregnancy, Postpartum or Child-Bearing Age
Ionizing radiation during If deemed necessary,
pregnancy or when breast risks/benefits of radiation from
feeding should be should be discussed with the
avoided patient (e.g., angiography,
CCTA, SPECT and PET)
Abbreviations: CCTA indicates coronary computed tomographic angiography; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance;
MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; MRI, PET, positron emission tomography; and SPECT, single-photon emission computed tomography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 19
Overview of Guideline-Based Pathways
for Evaluating Chest Pain
YES Is chest pain acute? NO
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; CAD, coronary artery disease;
CCTA, coronary computed tomographic angiography; and MI, myocardial infarction.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 20
Figure 8. General Approach to Risk Stratification Return to previous slide
of Patients With Suspected ACS
Patient with Acute Chest Pain
ECG (Class 1)
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; CDP, clinical decision pathway; and ECG, electrocardiogram.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 21
Figure 9. Evaluation Algorithm for Patients With Return to previous slide
Suspected ACS at Intermediate Risk With No Known CAD
Acute Chest Pain + Intermediate-Risk With No Known CAD
Abbreviations: CAD indicates coronary artery disease; CCTA, coronary CT angiography; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging; FFR-CT,
fractional flow reserve with CT; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; ICA, invasive coronary angiography; INOCA, ischemia and no
obstructive coronary artery disease; PET, positron emission tomography; and SPECT, single-photon emission computed tomography
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 22
Figure 10. General Approach to Risk Stratification Return to previous slide
of Patients With Suspected ACS
Acute Chest Pain +
Intermediate-Risk with Known CAD
Discharge
Abbreviations: CAD indicates coronary artery disease; CCTA, coronary CT angiography; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging;
CT, computed tomography; FFR-CT, fractional flow reserve with CT; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; ICA, invasive coronary angiography;
INOCA, ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease; PET, positron emission tomography; and SPECT, single -photon emission CT.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 23
Recommendations for High-Risk Patients
having Chest Pain
Abbreviation: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; CABG, coronary artery bypass graft;
CCTA, coronary computed tomographic angiography; and EMS, emergency medical service.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 24
Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain Recommendations
With Nonischemic Cardiac Pathologies
COR RECOMMENDATIONS
1. In patients with acute chest pain in whom other potentially life-threatening nonischemic cardiac conditions are suspected (e.g.,
1 aortic pathology, pericardial effusion, endocarditis), TTE is recommended for diagnosis.
Abbreviations: CMR indicates cardiac magnetic resonance; COR, classification of recommendation; CT, computerized tomography; CTA, computed tomography
angiography; LOE, level of evidence; PE, pulmonary embolus; TEE, transesophageal echocardiology; and TTE, transthoracic echocardiography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 25
Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain Recommendations
With Suspected Pulmonary Embolus
COR RECOMMENDATIONS
1 1. In stable patients with acute chest pain with high clinical suspicion for PE, CTA using a PE protocol is recommended
1 2. For patients with acute chest pain and possible PE, need for further testing should be guided by pretest probability.
Abbreviations: CMR indicates cardiac magnetic resonance; COR, classification of recommendation; CT, computerized tomography; CTA, computed tomography
angiography; LOE, level of evidence; PE, pulmonary embolus; TEE, transesophageal echocardiology; and TTE, transthoracic echocardiography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 26
Evaluation of Acute Chest Pain Recommendations
Abbreviations: CMR indicates cardiac magnetic resonance; COR, classification of recommendation; CT, computerized tomography; CTA, computed tomography
angiography; LOE, level of evidence; PE, pulmonary embolus; TEE, transesophageal echocardiology; and TTE, transthoracic echocardiography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 27
Other causes of chest pain
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 28
Noncardiac Chest Pain: Differential Diagnoses
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 29
Figure 12. Clinical Decision Pathway for Patients With Return to previous slide
Stable Chest Pain & No Known CAD
Stable Chest Pain + No Known CAD
Stress testing
No testing recommended (1) Low risk Clinical risk assessment (1) Stress CMR Exercise
Stress PET ECG
CAC or exercise ECG CCTA (1) Stress SPECT (2a)
testing in selected cases (2a) Intermediate/high risk
Stress echocardiography (1)
Mild Moderate-severe
No CAD Nonobstructive Inconclusive
Obstructive CAD ischemia ischemia
Inconclusive (no stenosis CAD
(≥50% stenosis)
or plaque) (<50% stenosis)
Optimize Optimize
Stress testing preventive preventive
Consider INOCA FFR-CT for 40-90% stenosis High risk CAD or
(2a) therapies therapies (1)
pathway as an OR stress testing (2a) frequent angina
outpatient for (1)
frequent or CAC (2a) Persistent
persistent symptoms FFR CT ≤0.8 or symptoms?
moderate-severe Invasive coronary
ischemia YES NO
angiography (1)
Follow-up testing and intensification of GDMT by initial test
NO YES Invasive Continue
results and persistence/worsening/frequency of symptoms
coronary preventive
angiography therapies
(1) (1)
Abbreviations: CAC indicates coronary artery calcium; CAD, coronary artery disease; CCTA, coronary CT angiography; CMR, cardiovascular
magnetic resonance imaging; CT, computed tomography; FFR-CT, fractional flow reserve with CT; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; CCTA (2a)
INOCA, ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease; PET, positron emission tomography; and SPECT, single -photon emission CT.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 30
Figure 13. Stable Chest Pain (or Equivalent) Symptoms With Prior
Return to previous slide
MI, Prior Revascularization, or Known CAD on Invasive Coronary
Angiography or CCTA, Including Those With Nonobstructive CAD
Stable Chest Pain + No Known CAD
Abbreviations: CABG indicates coronary artery bypass graft; CAD, coronary artery disease; CCTA, coronary CT angiography; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic
resonance imaging; CT, computed tomography; ECG, electrocardiogram; FFR-CT, fractional flow reserve with CT; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; ICA,
invasive coronary angiography; iFR, instant wave-free ratio; INOCA, ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease; mm, millimeters; MI, myocardial
infarction; MPI, myocardial perfusion imaging; PET, positron emission tomography; SIHD, stable ischemic heart disease; and SPECT, single-photon emission CT.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 31
Patients with Suspected Ischemia and
Non-Obstructive CAD (INOCA)
COR RECOMMENDATIONS
1. For patients with persistent stable chest pain and nonobstructive CAD and at least mild myocardial ischemia on imaging, it is
2a reasonable to consider invasive coronary function testing to improve the diagnosis of coronary microvascular dysfunction and
to enhance risk stratification.
2. For patients with persistent stable chest pain and nonobstructive CAD, stress PET MPI with MBFR is reasonable to diagnose
2a microvascular dysfunction and enhance risk stratification.
3. For patients with persistent stable chest pain and nonobstructive CAD, stress CMR with the addition of MBFR measurement is
2a reasonable to improve diagnosis of coronary myocardial dysfunction and for estimating risk of MACE.
4. For patients with persistent stable chest pain and nonobstructive CAD, stress echocardiography with the addition of coronary
2b flow velocity reserve measurement may be reasonable to improve diagnosis of coronary myocardial dysfunction and for
estimating risk of MACE.
Abbreviations: CAD indicates coronary artery disease; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging; CT, computed tomography;
ECG, electrocardiogram; INOCA, ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease; MACE, major adverse cardiac events;
MBFR, myocardial blood flow reserve; MPI, myocardial perfusion imaging; and PET, positron emission tomography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 32
Figure 14. Clinical Decision Pathway for Ischemia and
Non-Obstructive CAD (INOCA) Factors that increase the
likelihood of CMD:
Abbreviations: ACh indicates acetylcholine; CAD, coronary artery disease; CFR, coronary flow reserve; CFVR, coronary flow velocity reserve; CMD,
coronary microvascular dysfunction; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging; CV, cardiovascular; FFR, fractional fl ow reserve; IMR, index of
microcirculatory restriction; INOCA, ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease; MACE, major adverse cardiovascular events; and MBFR,
myocardial blood flow reserve; and PET, positron emission tomography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 33
Cost Considerations
Abbreviations: CAC indicates coronary arterial calcium; CCTA, cardiac computed tomography angiography; CI, confidence interval;
CONSERVE trial, Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography for Selective Cardiac Catheterization; CRESCENT trial, Comprehensive Cardiac CT
Versus Exercise Testing in Suspected Coronary Artery Disease; ECG, electrocardiography; and MACE, major adverse cardiac events.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 34
Cost Considerations
Stress Stress
Stress CMR
Echocardiography Nuclear MPI
Abbreviations: CCTA indicates cardiac computed tomography angiography; CE-MARC2 Clinical Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Coronary Heart
Disease-2; CI, confidence interval; CMR: cardiac magnetic resonance; ECG, electrocardiography; PET, positron emission tomography ; MPI, myocardial perfusion
imaging; PROMISE trial, Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain; and SPECT, single-positron emission computed tomography.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 35
Evidence Gaps and Future Research
Clinical
MINOCA/ Symptom Stratification &
ACS
INOCA Classification Decision Tools
Gaps in
Delays from Better diagnostic and
pathophysiology, Identify pretest
symptom onset to management options
diagnosis and probability
presentation
management
Abbreviations: ACS indicates acute coronary syndrome; ECG, electrocardiography; INOCA, ischemia with non -obstructive coronary arteries;
MINOCA, myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries; and RCT, randomized clinical trial.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 36
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to our Guideline Ambassadors who were guided by Dr. Elliott Antman in developing
this translational learning product in support of the ACC/AHA/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR
Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain
Anais Hausvater, MD
Stephanie Koh, MD
Dae Hyun Lee, MD
Amrita Mukhopadhyay. MD
Jennifer Rymer, MD
Sonia Shah, MD
Lina Ya’qoub, MD
The American Heart Association requests this electronic slide deck be cited as follows:
Hausvater, A., Koh, S., Lee, D. H., Mukhopadhyay, A., Rymer, J., Shah, S., Ya’qoub, L., Bezanson, J. L., & Antman, E. M. (2021).
Clinical Update; Adapted from: ACC/AHA/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest
Pain [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 37
Appendix
Definitions Return to previous slide
CCTA - Coronary computed tomographic angiography is used to visualize and help to diagnose the extent
and severity of nonobstructive and obstructive coronary artery disease, as well as atherosclerotic plaque
composition and high-risk features (e.g., positive remodeling, low attenuation plaque).
PET - Positron emission tomography allows for detection of perfusion abnormalities, measures of left
ventricular function, and high-risk findings, such as transient ischemic dilation.
CMR - Cardiovascular magnetic resonance has the capability to accurately assess global and regional left
and right ventricular function, detect and localize myocardial ischemia and infarction, and determine
myocardial viability. CMR can also detect myocardial edema and microvascular obstruction, which can help
differentiate acute versus chronic myocardial infarction, as well as other causes of acute chest pain, including
myocarditis.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 39
Definitions Return to previous slide
CCTA - Coronary computed tomographic angiography is used to visualize and help to diagnose the extent
and severity of nonobstructive and obstructive coronary artery disease, as well as atherosclerotic plaque
composition and high-risk features (e.g., positive remodeling, low attenuation plaque).
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 40
Definitions Return to previous slide
Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Diagnostic electrocardiogram monitoring during graded exercise until
physical fatigue, limiting chest pain (or discomfort), marked ischemia, or a drop in blood pressure occurs.
Stress Echocardiography - After acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been ruled out, stress echocardiography
can be used to define ischemia severity and for risk stratification purposes. For transthoracic
echocardiography (TTE) and stress echocardiography, ultrasound-enhancing agents are helpful for left
ventricular opacification when ≥2 contiguous segments or a coronary territory is poorly visualized. Coronary
flow velocity reserve in the mid-distal left anterior descending coronary artery has been shown to improve risk
stratification and may be helpful in the select patient with known coronary artery disease (CAD), including
nonobstructive CAD. Contraindications to stress type (exercise versus pharmacologic) and stress
echocardiography are reported in Slide 15.
SPECT MPI - Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI)
allows for detection of perfusion abnormalities, measures of left ventricular function, and high-risk findings,
such as transient ischemic dilation. This diagnostic test is utilized after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is
ruled out.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 41
Definitions Return to previous slide
PET MPI – Positron emission computed tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) allows for
detection of perfusion abnormalities, measures of left ventricular function, and high-risk findings, such as
transient ischemic dilation. This diagnostic test is utilized after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is ruled out.
Stress CMR MPI – Pharmacologic stress test using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial
perfusion imaging (MPI) to accurately assess global and regional left and right ventricular function, detect
and localize myocardial ischemia and infarction, and determine myocardial viability.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 42
Links for Figure 8 Return to previous slide
Abbreviations: ADAPT indicates 2-hour Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol to Access Patients with Chest Pain Symptoms Using Contemporary Troponins as the Only Biomarkers; cTn, cardiac
troponin; EDACS, Emergency Department Acute Coronary Syndrome; HEART Pathway, History, ECG, Age, Risk Factors, Troponin; hs-cTn, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin; MACE, major
adverse cardiac events; mADAPT, modified 2-hour Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol to Access Patients with Chest Pain Symptoms Using Contemporary Troponins as the Only Biomarkers;
NOTR, No Objective Testing Rule; NPV, negative predictive value; and TIMI, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 43
Links for Figure 9 Return to previous slide
Recent Negative Test - Normal cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) ≤2 years (no
plaque/no stenosis) OR negative stress test ≤1 year, given adequate stress.
High-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) means left main stenosis ≥ 50%; anatomically significant
3-vessel disease (≥70% stenosis).
Fractional flow reserve with computed tomography (FFR-CT) the turnaround times may impact
prompt clinical care decisions. However, the use of FFR-CT does not require additional testing, as
would be the case when adding stress testing.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 44
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Known coronary artery disease (CAD) is prior myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, known
obstructive or nonobstructive CAD on invasive or cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA).
Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) includes prior coronary artery bypass graft/percutaneous
coronary intervention.
High-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) means left main stenosis ≥ 50%; anatomically significant
3-vessel disease (≥70% stenosis).
Fractional flow reserve with computed tomography (FFR-CT) turnaround times may impact prompt
clinical care decisions.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 45
Links for Figure 12 Return to previous slide
High-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) means left main stenosis ≥ 50%; anatomically significant
3-vessel disease (≥70% stenosis).
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 46
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Known coronary artery disease (CAD) means prior myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization,
known obstructive CAD, nonobstructive CAD.
High-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) means left main stenosis ≥50%; or obstructive CAD with
fractional flow reserve with computed tomography (FFR-CT) ≤0.80.
Test choice guided by the patient’s exercise capacity, resting electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 47
Links for Figure 14 Return to previous slide
Invasive coronary function testing refer to the following reference: Ford TJ, Corcoran D, Sidik N,
et al. Coronary microvascular dysfunction: assessment of both structure and function. J Am Coll
Cardiol 2018;72:584-6.
Gulati, M. et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation. 48