Grading System Strength of Recommendation Quality of Evidence
Grade 1 = strong* A = good
Grade 2 = moderate** B = fair **Grade 2 suggests that individual patient values may lead to different choices. C = poor
*Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do, or do not, outweigh risks, burden, and costs.
Abbreviations ACCP, American College of Chest Physicians; ACS, acute coronary syndrome; BMS, bare metal stent; CABG, coronary artery bypass graſting; CAD, coronary artery disease; CHF, congestive heart failure; CI, confidence interval; DES, drug-eluting stent; IMA, internal mammary artery; INR, international normalized ratio; MI, myocardial infarction; NSTE, non–ST-segment elevation; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; PE, pulmonary embolism; STE, ST- segment elevation; VKA, vitamin K antagonist; VT, venous thrombosis
Source Becker RC, Meade TW, Berger PB, et al. The primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest. 2008;133;776-814.
Disclaimer This Guideline attempts to define principles of practice that should produce high-quality patient care. It focuses on the needs of primary care practice, but also is applicable to providers at all levels. This Guideline should not be considered exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed at obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment concerning the propriety of any course of conduct must be made by the clinician aſter consideration of each individual patient situation. Neither IGC, the medical associations, nor the authors endorse any product or service associated with the distributor of this clinical reference tool.
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