Atypical presentation of acute coronary syndrome: A significant independent predictor of in-hospital mortality

Background: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) frequently present with typical chest pain; however a considerable proportion may present with atypical symptoms. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of different presenting symptoms in ACS patients. Methods: Over a 5-month period in 2007, 6704 consecutive patients presenting with ACS were enrolled and categorized into three groups according to their presenting symptom (typical chest pain, atypical chest pain, and dyspnea). Data were collected from a prospective, multicenter, multinational, observational study from 6 countries. The baseline characteristics, therapy, and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed and compared in the three groups. (C) 2011 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.