BMJ 2001;323:586-587 ( 15 September )

Editorials

Rapid assessment of chest pain

The rationale is clear, but evidence is needed

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Angina is the cinderella to acute coronary syndromes, with uncertainty about how well and consistently patients are investigated and treated by the NHS. The new national service framework standard in England for patients with angina is investigation and treatment to relieve pain and reduce coronary risk,¹ and the rapid access chest pain clinic is the preferred way of delivering such care. ^{2 3} The goal was to have 50 such clinics by April 2001, but there are already 100, with nationwide rollout gathering pace. What is the rationale for such clinics and do they work?

Patients presenting for the first time to their general practitioner with suspected angina can now be assessed by a specialist through a rapid access chest pain clinic. Patients with suspected acute coronary disease should still be sent direct to the casualty department; if they are then diagnosed as having exertional angina they too can be referred to the rapid access . . . [Full text of this article]

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Taylor, G L, Murphy, N F, Berry, C, Christie, J, Finlayson, A, MacIntyre, K, Morrison, C, McMurray, J (2008). Long-term outcome of low-risk patients attending a rapid-assessment chest pain clinic. Heart 94: 628-632 [Abstract] [Full text]  
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Rapid Responses:

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there's nothing casual about E.D. approach to chest pain

Steve Meek
bmj.com, 14 Sep 2001 [Full text]

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bmj.com, 17 Oct 2001 [Full text]