(May 20, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Risk status can help determine which patients with acute heart trouble require immediate invasive treatment, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here is some information on acute coronary syndromes:

•    They are a collection of heart conditions in which the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood.

•    Both unstable angina and heart attack are acute coronary syndromes

•    They are caused by the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that feed the heart, causing narrowing and even blockages

Researchers from McMaster University in Hamilton randomly assigned over 3,000 patients with acute coronary syndromes to receive coronary angiography either within 24 hours or after a minimum delay of 36 hours.

After 6 months there were no differences between the two groups with respect to the proportion who died, had a heart attack, or had a stroke. Among those considered to be at highest risk for heart problems, however, those who received the earlier treatment had a better outcome.

Today's research suggests that, among individuals with acute coronary syndromes, risk status can help health care professionals determine who needs to receive invasive treatment first.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.