1. What is the HEART Score?

The HEART Score is a clinical decision tool used to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients presenting with chest pain. It assesses five components: History, ECG, Age, Risk factors, and Troponin.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HEART Score formula:

Where each component is scored from 0-2 points based on specific criteria.

Interpretation:

• 0-3: Low risk (0.9-1.7% risk of MACE)
• 4-6: Moderate risk (12-16.6% risk of MACE)
• 7-10: High risk (50-65% risk of MACE)

3. Importance of HEART Score

Details: The HEART Score helps clinicians stratify patients with chest pain into risk categories, guiding decisions about admission, observation, or discharge.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the appropriate score for each component based on patient assessment. The calculator will sum the points and provide risk stratification.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a significant ECG finding?
A: Significant ST depression or elevation ≥0.5mm, new left bundle branch block, or other acute ischemic changes.

Q2: What risk factors are considered?
A: Traditional cardiac risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, family history of CAD, obesity.

Q3: How should troponin be interpreted?
A: Use the local laboratory's upper reference limit for normal. High-sensitivity troponin assays may require different cutoffs.

Q4: Can this be used for all chest pain patients?
A: Best for undifferentiated chest pain in emergency departments. Not validated for patients with obvious STEMI or other clear diagnoses.

Q5: What is MACE?
A: Major Adverse Cardiac Events including myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and cardiac death within 6 weeks.