[More efficient investigation in suspected acute coronary syndrome possible. New diagnostic methods can improve the quality of care and save resources].

The immediate evaluation of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the emergency department (ED) has remained almost unchanged for decades. At the same time, therapy for established ACS has undergone a remarkable and successful change towards early active intervention. Studies show that 7 out of 10 patients admitted with a suspicion of ACS do not have it, and that 2-5% of the patients with ACS are incorrectly sent home from the ED. With new diagnostic strategies, including e.g. risk prediction algorithms, new blood samples for plaque instability, special investigations like echocardiography, myocardial perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the Chest Pain Unit concept, improvements should definitely be possible. With the structured and evidence-based use of such strategies, it is our belief that more patients can be managed as outpatients, that length of stay can be shortened for those admitted, and that some patients with ACS can get an earlier adequate intervention.