Critical pathways in cardiology
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Chest pain is the second leading cause for emergency department (ED) visits in the United States; however, <20% of the patients have acute coronary syndrome that require immediate attention. The HEART score is designed for rapid risk stratification of ED chest pain patients using the following criteria: history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin. It has been shown to be superior in identifying patients with low (HEART score 0-3) and high (7-10) risk of major adverse cardiac events, who can then be rapidly discharged or admitted for intervention. ⋯ The data showed a significant reduction in total length of stay for all chest pain patients. This retrospective program evaluation demonstrated some evidence in using HEART score to safely risk stratify chest pain patients to the appropriate level of care. As healthcare moves from a fee-for-service environment to value-based purchasing, hospitals need to devise and implement innovative strategies to provide efficient, beneficial, and safe care for the patients.