2011 ACCF/AHA focused update of the guidelines for the management of patients with Unstable Angina/Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (updating the 2007 Guideline): highlights for the clinician.

The 2011 Update to the Unstable Angina/Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (UA/NSTEMI) Guideline is based in evolving data or expert opinion and incorporates information from late-breaking clinical trials presented at the 2008-2009 Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the European Society of Cardiology, among others, as well as selected data through April 2010. The 5 key issues highlighted in this summary are: (1) the timing of acute interventional therapy in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction; (2) emphasis on the timing, duration, and application of dual and triple antiplatelet therapy; (3) specific recommendations for patients with diabetes mellitus; (4) the role and potential benefit of invasive therapy in patients with advanced renal dysfunction; and (5) issues of quality improvement for acute coronary syndromes.