HEART Score for Chest Pain
HEART score risk-stratifies chest pain in the ED for major adverse cardiac events at 6 weeks. Helps decide admission vs discharge.
HEART Score
Interpretation (6-week MACE risk)
- 0–3: Low risk (1.7%) — likely safe for early discharge
- 4–6: Moderate (16.6%) — admit for observation
- 7–10: High (50.1%) — early invasive evaluation
Source: Six AJ, Backus BE, Kelder JC. Chest pain in the emergency room. Neth Heart J. 2008;16(6):191-6.
Medical disclaimer: This tool provides educational information for general reference. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss your individual situation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
Can a low HEART score safely discharge a patient?
Score 0-3 with negative serial troponins (HEART Pathway) supports early discharge with outpatient follow-up. Local protocols vary.
What's the difference between HEART and TIMI?
HEART was specifically designed for undifferentiated chest pain in ED settings. TIMI was developed for established ACS and performs differently in low-risk populations.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.