Simple test could cut unnecessary hospital visits for chest pain

NCT ID NCT05827237

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a clinical decision rule, combining a 5-question heart score with a rapid blood test, could safely reduce unnecessary hospital referrals for chest pain. Nearly 950 adults with new chest pain were seen by their general practitioner. The goal was to see if the rule could accurately rule out a heart attack or major heart problems within 6 weeks to 6 months, while also being cost-effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Clinical decision rule (Marburg Heart Score and high-sensitive troponin I point of care test)

What this could lead to

If successful, this decision rule could help general practitioners safely identify low-risk chest pain patients, reducing unnecessary hospital referrals and healthcare costs.

What could go wrong

The rule may not be accurate enough in all populations, and false negatives could miss a heart attack. The study was completed but results are not yet widely implemented.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute coronary syndrome Chest Pain myocardial infarction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Leiden University Medical Center

    Leiden, South Holland, 2300 RC, Netherlands