Table 2

Risk classification of patients after initial history, physical examination and ECG, but before blood samples. Modified after [6].

Risk categories
 n
 % of all
 Age (yrs)
 % admitted
 % of men
 % of women
I.
 Obvious AMI
 6
 4
 78.7 ± 3.8
 100
 6
 1*

Typical symptoms and ST-elevation with or without Q-waves on the ECG, or LBBB not known to be old.





II.
 Strong suspicion of ACS
 26
 17
 68.6 ± 2.2
 100
 13
 22

a) Typical symptoms without ST-elevation or Q-wave






b) Atypical symptoms with STT changes or LBBB not known to be old






c) History of unstable angina regardless of ECG






d) Acute heart failure or hypotension regardless of ECG






e) VT/VF or AV-block III





III.
 Vague suspicion of ACS
 46
 29
 63.7 ± 2.2
 70
 27
 33

Unclear symptoms and history, normal or nonischemic ECG.





IV.
 No suspicion of ACS
 79
 50
 55.0 ± 2.5
 13
 54
 43*

a) No suspicion of ischemic heart disease






b) Stable angina pectoris






All included patients
 157
 100
 60.8 ± 1.5
 47
 100
 100

ACS, Acute coronary syndrome; LBBB, Left bundle branch block; VT/VF, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. *P < 0.05 compared to men.

Ekelund et al. BMC Emergency Medicine 2002 2:1   doi:10.1186/1471-227X-2-1