Managing high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes: the Prospective Registry of Acute Ischaemic Syndromes in the UK (PRAIS-UK)

A study was carried out to find out whether more intense treatment (both medical and revascularisation) is targeted towards higher-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes. A prospective UK registry of patients admitted with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes was established to examine, practice patterns and clinical outcomes with respect to the risk profile of the patients. Clinically important high-risk subgroups included the elderly, diabetics, those with heart failure and those with ST depression or bundle branch block on the presenting ECG. Elderly patients were less likely to receive evidence-based treatments, including beta blockers, statins and revascularisation. Diabetics received more revascularisation procedures but the overall revascularisation rate was low. Heart failure patients received less evidence-based treatment, with the exception of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Heparin was used less frequently in those with a normal ECG, although rates of revascularisation were not different when compared with those with ECG abnormalities. The conclusions of the study were that groups of patients with particularly high event rates are readily identified by their clinical characteristics, but use of evidence-based treatments and invasive investigations do not appear to be targeted towards those at greatest risk. Risk stratification and the appropriate application of treatments for patients with acute coronary syndromes need to be reviewed in the clinical setting.