American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What does a TIMI Risk Score of 0-2 indicate in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes?

1. Low risk

2. Intermediate risk

3. High risk

4. Very high risk

The correct answer is: Low risk

A TIMI Risk Score of 0-2 in the context of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS) signifies a low risk for adverse cardiovascular events. The TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) Risk Score is a tool used to stratify the risk of patients presenting with unstable angina or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. It takes into consideration several clinical factors, including age, presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease, severity of angina, and other biomarkers. A score within this range indicates that the patient is at a lower likelihood for recurrent ischemic events, complications, or mortality within a short-term period. This risk stratification allows clinicians to make more informed decisions regarding the need for further intervention, hospitalization, or aggressive treatment strategies. In contrast, higher TIMI scores would indicate increasing levels of risk, suggesting a greater need for intensive therapy and monitoring. Overall, understanding the TIMI Risk Score helps in the management and triage of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes, improving patient outcomes by guiding treatment decisions based on their risk profile.