The ACTION score calculator estimates the risk of ICU admission for patients with NSTEMI (Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) by considering a range of medical factors. It evaluates responses to nine specific health criteria, with each response having a predefined score. The sum of these scores reflects the patient's risk of developing complications necessitating ICU care.

Here's how the scoring for each criterion works:

- Age: 
  - < 70 years = 0
  - >= 70 years = 1

- Serum creatinine:
  - < 1.1 mg/dL = 0
  - >= 1.1 mg/dL = 1

- Heart rate:
  - < 85 BPM = 0
  - 85-100 BPM = 1
  - >= 100 BPM = 3 

- Systolic blood pressure:
  - >= 145 mmHg = 0
  - 125-145 mmHg = 1
  - < 125 mmHg = 3

- Ratio of initial troponin to the upper limit of normal:
  - < 12 = 0
  - >= 12 = 2

- Signs or symptoms of heart failure:
  - Yes = 5
  - No = 0

- ST segment depression on ECG:
  - Yes = 1
  - No = 0

- Prior revascularization:
  - Yes = 0
  - No = 1

- Chronic lung disease:
  - Yes = 2
  - No = 0

Once each of these factors is assessed and its respective score is assigned, a total score is computed by adding together all individual scores. This total score is then interpreted to indicate the likelihood of needing ICU care due to complications. The interpretation corresponds to various risk levels as follows:

- Scores less than or equal to 1 indicate a 3.4% risk.
- A score of 2 implies a 4.9% risk.
- A score of 3 translates to a 5.5% risk.
- With a score of 4, the risk is 6.9%.
- A score of 5 suggests a 9.3% risk.
- A score of 6 results in a 12% risk.
- For a score of 7, the risk increases to 14.6%.
- A score of 8 corresponds to a 17.4% risk.
- A score of 9 is associated with a 20.8% risk.
- With a score of 10, the risk rises to 23.3%.
- A score of 11 corresponds to a 27.7% risk.
- A score of 12 implies a 31% risk.
- Scores of 13 and 14 suggest risks of 31.5% and 39.3%, respectively.
- Scores above 14 indicate a risk exceeding 39.3%.

This method offers a systematic way to evaluate a patient's condition and predict the potential need for intensive care based on their health profile.

The ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) score is a clinical calculator used to predict the risk of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission in patients with Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). This scoring system is applicable to patients diagnosed with NSTEMI, a type of heart attack that does not cause a classic EKG change known as ST elevation. 

The ACTION score is clinically useful in stratifying patients based on their risk of requiring ICU admission, which can guide clinicians in making decisions about the level of care needed. It takes into account various factors including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory results. 

There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of the ACTION score, but it should be noted that it is not applicable to patients with other types of heart attacks, such as ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), or to patients with chest pain of non-cardiac origin. It is also less accurate in patients with missing data for any of the variables included in the score.

ACTION score for risk of ICU admission in NSTEMI