ESC guidelines 2015. Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome

In August 2015 the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published new guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation, which incorporate the scientific progress since 2011. The innovation with probably the most impact on the clinical practice is the introduction of 0 h/1 h protocols for exclusion or inclusion of myocardial infarction without ST-segment elevation. These 0 h/1 h protocols are equally recommended to the established 0 h/3 h protocol. For these protocols blood is drawn on admission and 1 h later and the troponin level is analyzed by means of highly sensitive troponin assays. Troponin cut-off values were validated in several large studies, therefore, now facilitating a faster exclusion of myocardial infarction with an equal negative predictive value to 3 h protocols. Additionally, access via the radial artery is recommended over a femoral artery access for coronary angiography and when necessary the subsequent coronary intervention. Other novel aspects apply to the anti-ischemic and anti-thrombotic medication.