AN APPROACH TO CHEST PAIN AND RISK CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

This article discusses the risk classification and scores used in clinical practice for the early identification of patients at higher risk for serious cardiac events, as well as presenting the main etiologies of chest pain. To this end, a review of the updated literature was conducted, using the main guidelines and studies in the field as a basis. It was highlighted that chest pain is a common symptom in emergency medical care and that an appropriate and prompt assessment is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Among the etiologies of chest pain, the main ones are cardiac in origin, such as acute coronary syndrome, followed by pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal pathologies. Risk classification is based on clinical criteria and the evaluation of complementary tests, with the main scores used being the TIMI, GRACE, and HEART. The choice of complementary test should be based on the patient's clinical assessment and the most likely diagnostic hypotheses. Early identification of patients at higher risk for serious cardiac events enables faster and more effective therapeutic intervention, which can be crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with chest pain.