No single instrument suffices for risk stratification in non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. Clinical indicators (age, diabetes, smoking, gender, heart rate, heart failure, renal function, ECG) provide early independent, and complementary prognostic information, as do biochemical markers: troponin T (TnT) has the strongest relationship with subsequent myocardial infarction, while brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal portion of its prohormone (NT-proBNP) are the best biomarkers of cardiac mortality, followed by C-reactive protein (CRP). Biomarkers also inform therapy: TnT elevation is an indication for early coronary intervention, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition, and extended low-molecular- weight heparin, while CRP elevation calls for statin therapy, irrespective of lipid levels...