GRACE score
Also written as: GRACE — Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events
A validated risk stratification tool used to predict mortality and ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Full Definition
The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score is a clinical prediction model that estimates the risk of death and major adverse cardiac events in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes. The score incorporates multiple variables including age, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, creatinine level, cardiac arrest at presentation, ST-segment deviation, elevated cardiac biomarkers, and Killip class. It provides both in-hospital and 6-month risk predictions and helps guide treatment decisions and discharge planning. The GRACE score has been extensively validated across diverse patient populations and is recommended by major cardiology guidelines for risk assessment in acute coronary syndrome management.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as GRACE when referring to the score; distinguish from other cardiovascular risk scores like TIMI or CRUSADE.
In Context
- "The patient's GRACE score of 154 indicated a high risk for 6-month mortality, prompting early invasive management." — Emergency department assessment
- "Calculate the GRACE score for all patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes to guide treatment intensity." — Hospital protocol