August 19, 2026

Understanding individualized risks of acute coronary syndrome testing and treatment

Researchers have developed a new tool that predicts how people living with kidney disease may fare after experiencing a type of cardiovascular complication called acute coronary syndrome (ACS), where there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to the heart. 

People living with kidney disease are at increased risk of also experiencing cardiovascular complications, including ACS. While treatment for ACS can be life-saving, it can sometimes make kidney disease worse. Therefore, it’s important that patients understand their risks and make informed decisions when considering whether or not to pursue these cardiovascular procedures. 

To support patients in understanding their personalized risks, Dr. Matthew James at the University of Calgary and his colleagues created four novel prediction models, using anonymous patient data from nearly 12,000 patients in Alberta and British Columbia. 

The first two models, which were found to be most effective, could accurately predict which patients were likely to experience kidney failure after ACS testing and treatment over time and different geographies, at 90% and 83%, respectively. Two other models were found to be moderately accurate at predicting mortality, at 77%, and readmission to the hospital for heart attack, at 57%, following ACS testing and treatment. 

Together, these models could be used to provide patients with a greater understanding of their personalized risks and allow them to make more informed decisions.