The severity of coronary artery disease in NSTEMI patients, as evaluated by the Syntax score, is investigated in relation to the TIMI risk score

Abstract

Background: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) carries significant risks. The TIMI Risk Score for Nstemi and Syntax score are used to assess coronary artery disease severity, respectively. This study investigates the relationship between these two scores in NSTEMI patients to potentially refine treatment strategies and risk stratification.

Methodology: The Department of Cardiology carried out this descriptive cross-sectional research investigation in PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan, included 297 NSTEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography between August 27, 2022, and February 26, 2023. The TIMI Risk Score (based on clinical variables) and Syntax Score (calculated using syntax.com) were determined for each patient. Data analysis, performed using SPSS Version 21, included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation to assess the relationship between the scores, and stratified analysis to control for potential effect modifiers (age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking status, BMI, and extent of coronary artery disease).

Results: The age range of the 297 NSTEMI patients (median 59) was 18 to 75 years old. There were 136 (45.8%) females and 161 (54.2%) males in the group. The TIMI Risk Score and the Syntax Score showed a weak positive correlation (r = 0.117, p = 0.0001), indicating a restricted relationship.

Conclusion: This study found a weak correlation among Syntax Score and the TIMI Risk Score in patients with NSTEMI. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the implications for clinical practice.