Impact of Time to Coronary Angiography on Survival for NSTEMI

The use of an invasive strategy for the management of NSTEMI according to estimated risk of 6 month mortality is recommended by international guidelines. NSTEMI appropriate for coronary angiography (and percutaneous intervention) have better outcomes compare with NSTEMI who are medically managed. Whilst the national and international guidelines recommend that the timing of (in-hospital) coronary angiography (<24, 24-72, 72-96 and <96 hours) is based upon estimated clinical risk (using the GRACE risk score) there is scientific and clinical uncertainty as to the incremental benefit that more urgent invasive treatments strategies have over and above that of delayed strategies. Moreover, the investigators recent research has shown that in the UK, may NSTEMI (eligible) for coronary angiography fail to achieve care according to the recommended time thresholds, and this is associated with potentially avoidable premature death.

This study aims to investigate the extent to which the time to angiography impacts on survival in patients hospitalised with NSTEMI. It will characterise patients according to their estimated risk of death, their time to angiography, and associated outcomes. The investigators anticipate that this observational study will provide Level B evidence for the benefits of the timing of an invasive strategy according to the GRACE risk score. The investigators are aware that the NICE guidelines for the management of acute chest pain are to be updated in 2016.