Breakthrough in Chest Pain Management: Study Shows Significant Reduction in Risk of Death and Heart Attack
A recent study published in ‘Jama Cardiology’ has revealed a breakthrough in the management of patients complaining of suspicious chest pain. The study, conducted as part of the international Precise clinical study, involved the selective use of heart CT and a specific test on the blood flow in the coronary arteries. The results of the study showed a significant reduction in the risk of death and heart attack by two thirds, while also avoiding unnecessary invasive tests.
The study, which saw Italy’s Monzino Cardiology Center in Milan as the main enroller worldwide, analyzed the data of 2,103 patients enrolled between December 2018 and May 2021. The use of a precision diagnostic approach, involving the selective use of coronary CT and the study of the Ffrct (Fractional flow reserve CT derived) parameter, produced much better results than the traditional approach, which involves a series of tests including coronary angiography, an invasive procedure.
Gianluca Pontone, director of the Department of Perioperative Cardiology and Cardiovascular Imaging at Monzino, and principal investigator of the trial for the Milanese institute, emphasized the significance of the study. He noted that the results of the study mark a significant milestone in the management of chest pain and the risk of heart attack, and decrees the official entry of cardiac CT and Ffrct into clinical practice.
Pontone also highlighted the impact of the findings on the healthcare system, noting that the majority of tests carried out to investigate the origin of chest pain are often unnecessary and take away resources and personnel from the health systems. The study’s findings present a clear and efficient path to solving the problem of chest pain, which causes suffering and stress to patients and puts pressure on hospitals and emergency rooms.
The study’s findings have the potential to revolutionize the approach to managing patients with chest pain and provide a standardized clinical score (Pmrs) for doctors to use in decision-making. The validated procedure allows doctors to confidently apply the new approach, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
The results of the study offer hope for more accurate and efficient management of chest pain, providing relief to patients and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. This breakthrough could have a significant impact on the way chest pain is diagnosed and managed, offering a more targeted and effective approach to patient care.