Acute Coronary Syndromes Clinical Care Standard

A patient presenting with acute chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of an acute coronary syndrome receives care guided by a documented chest pain assessment pathway.

A patient with acute chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of an acute coronary syndrome receives a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and the results are analysed by a clinician experienced in interpreting an ECG within 10 minutes of the first emergency clinical contact.

A patient with an acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), for whom emergency reperfusion is clinically appropriate, is offered timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or fibrinolysis in accordance with the time frames recommended in the current National Heart Foundation of Australia/Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

In general, primary PCI is recommended if the time from first medical contact to balloon inflation is anticipated to be less than 90 minutes; otherwise, the patient is offered fibrinolysis. 

A patient with a non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) is managed based on a documented, evidence-based assessment of their risk of an adverse event.

The role of coronary angiography, with a view to timely and appropriate coronary revascularisation, is discussed with a patient with a non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) who is assessed to be at intermediate or high risk of an adverse cardiac event.

Before a patient with an acute coronary syndrome leaves the hospital, they are involved in the development of an individualised care plan. This plan identifies the lifestyle modifications and medicines needed to manage their risk factors, addresses their psychosocial needs and includes a referral to an appropriate cardiac rehabilitation or another secondary prevention program. This plan is provided to the patient and their general practitioner or ongoing clinical provider within 48 hours of discharge.