Non-ST-Elevation MI / Unstable Angina

Cardiology

Acute myocardial ischaemia without persistent ST elevation. NSTEMI = troponin ↑; UA = negative.

Clinical features

  • Rest/crescendo chest pain
  • Similar to STEMI without ECG ST elevation

Investigations

  • Serial hs-troponin (0/1 h or 0/3 h algorithm)
  • ECG (ST↓, TWI, dynamic)
  • GRACE score for risk stratification

Diagnosis

  • Ischaemic symptoms + troponin rise/fall + ECG or imaging evidence

Differential diagnosis

  • Stable angina
  • Aortic dissection
  • PE
  • Musculoskeletal
  • GERD

Management

  • Aspirin + P2Y12 (ticagrelor preferred)
  • Fondaparinux 2.5 mg SC OD (or enoxaparin)
  • GRACE-guided angiography: high risk <24 h; intermediate <72 h; low = ischaemia testing

Drug therapy

  • β-blocker, ACEi, high-intensity statin
  • GTN for symptoms
  • Continue DAPT 12 months

Complications

  • Reinfarction, HF, arrhythmia, death

Clinical pearls

  • No fibrinolysis in NSTEMI
  • GRACE >140 = high risk → early invasive

References

  • ESC 2020 NSTE-ACS
  • AHA/ACC 2014 NSTEMI

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