[SICI-GISE/SICOA Consensus document: Clinical follow-up of patients after acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention]

G Ital Cardiol (Rome). 2023 Apr;24(4 Suppl 2):5S-15S. doi: 10.1714/4035.40099.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

In the last decades, advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies have significantly reduced the risk of procedural complications and in-hospital mortality of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), thus increasing the population of stable post-ACS patients. This novel epidemiological scenario emphasizes the importance of implementing secondary preventive and follow-up strategies. The follow-up of patients after ACS or elective PCI should be based on common pathways and on the close collaboration between hospital cardiologists and primary care physicians. However, the follow-up strategies of these patients are still poorly standardized. This SICI-GISE/SICOA consensus document was conceived as a proposal for the long-term management of post-ACS or post-PCI patients based on their individual residual risk of cardiovascular adverse events. We defined five patient risk classes and five follow-up strategies including medical visits and examinations according to a specific time schedule. We also provided a short guidance for the selection of the appropriate imaging technique for the assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction and of non-invasive anatomical or functional tests for the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease. Physical and pharmacological stress echocardiography was identified as the first-line imaging technique in most of cases, while cardiovascular magnetic resonance should be preferred when an accurate evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction is needed. The standardization of the follow-up pathways of patients with a history of ACS or elective PCI, shared between hospital doctors and primary care physicians, could result in a more cost-effective use of resources and potentially improve patient's long-term outcome.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Consensus
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention*
  • Stroke Volume
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Function, Left