Unstable angina / non ST elevation myocardial infarction oxygen therapy


 * Associate Editors-In-Chief: ; Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.; Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.; Smita Kohli, M.D.;

Indications for Supplemental Oxygen

 * In general oxygen is administered via nasal canula or face mask to patients with an uncomplicated course to maintain an oxygen saturation greater than 90%.
 * Endotracheal intubation may be required in those patients with a clinical course complicated by severe pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock or mechanical complications (e.g. papillary muscle rupture, free wall rupture, or acquired ventricular septal defect).
 * Finger pulse oximetry is useful for the continuous monitoring of SaO2 but is not mandatory in patients who do not appear to be at risk of hypoxemia.
 * There is no evidence to support the administration of oxygen to all patients with ACS in the absence of signs of respiratory distress or arterial hypoxemia.

==ACC/AHA Guidelines (DO NOT EDIT) ==

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Class I
1. Supplemental oxygen should be administered to patients with unstable angina / NSTEMI with an arterial saturation <90%, respiratory distress, or other high risk features for hypoxemia. (Pulse oximetry is useful for continuous measurement of SaO²) (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIa
1. It is reasonable to administer supplemental oxygen to all patients with unstable angina / NSTEMI during the first 6 h after presentation. (Level of Evidence: C)}}