2021 Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain
Published: October 28, 2021
- Chest Pain Means More Than Pain in the Chest. Pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest, shoulders, arms, neck, back, upper abdomen, or jaw, as well as shortness of breath and fatigue should all be considered anginal equivalents.
- Share the Decision-Making. Clinically stable patients presenting with chest pain should be included in decision-making; information about risk of adverse events, radiation exposure, costs, and alternative options should be provided to facilitate the discussion.
- Structured Risk Assessment Should Be Used. For patients presenting with acute or stable chest pain, risk for coronary artery disease and adverse events should be estimated using evidence-based diagnostic protocols.
Related Resources
- AHA Clinical Update: 2021 Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain Slide Set
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Recommended Reading
- 2017 Update to Practice Standards for Electrocardiographic Monitoring in Hospital Settings
- 2014 Guideline for the Management of Patients With Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
- 2013 Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
- 2012 Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease