Artificial intelligence enables a more precise assessment of the risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation, the most common form of heart attack. This would allow treatment to be controlled in a more targeted manner. This is the result of an international study led by the University of Zurich, which was published in the journal The Lancet Digital Health.

Doctors have so far used the established GRACE score to assess the risk and determine the optimal time for cardiac catheter treatment. This score is integrated into clinical guidelines worldwide, but does not capture the full complexity of the disease in these patients.

In the study, which is considered the largest to date for predicting the risk of this form of heart attack, an international team led by the University of Zurich analyzed health data from more than 600,000 patients from ten countries. The clinical data of the VERDICT study were evaluated for the first time with the help of AI. The model was trained to identify patients who particularly benefit from early cardiac catheterization treatment, such as the insertion of a stent.

The findings suggest that re-evaluation of many patients may be needed, with potentially large implications for the global treatment of heart attacks. While some patients clearly benefit from early intervention, others show little or no benefit. This indicates that current strategies sometimes do not appeal to the right patients. A comprehensive restructuring of care, which assesses the individual benefit, could become necessary.

The study highlights how AI can change heart attack treatment. By analyzing the study data, the model learned who benefits from early invasive treatment and who does not. This could improve care and strengthen cardiovascular health after the infarction.

The new GRACE 3.0 score is considered the most advanced and practical tool for treating these patients. It determines the risk more precisely and serves as an aid for personalized therapies. The researchers expect that this could influence future clinical guidelines and help save lives.

With GRACE 3.0, the scientists want to provide doctors with a simple, validated and AI-based tool that supports practice and enables more individual and effective care for heart attack patients.

Original Paper:

Extension of the GRACE score for non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome: a development and validation study in ten countries – The Lancet Digital Health

PREVIEW: The German Congress of Laboratory Medicine (DKLM) 2025 promises exciting insights into the interface between science and clinical practice. Under the motto “Science for Precision Medicine”, the German Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL) and the Umbrella Association for Technologists and Analysts in Medicine Germany (DVTA) invite experts from research, clinics and industry to meet on October 23 and 24 at the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL). The two-day event is aimed at laboratory physicians, biomedical analysts and decision-makers to discuss current advances in diagnostics and strengthen networks. The ceremonial opening of the congress will take place on 22 October with the presentation of the MedLabAwards in the Salles de Pologne.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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