Biomarkers of renal function in prognostic stratification of patients with acute coronary syndrome

There is close pathophysiological interaction between the kidneys and the heart, affecting, among others, the risk for development and prognosis of many cardiovascular disease. Early risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is important for optimizing their therapy. Presented is an overview of prognostic stratification of ACS patients according to baseline levels of renal function biomarkers. Apart from classic biomarkers (creatinine, urea) having a dominant role in advanced chronic kidney disease, some novel biomarkers are listed (cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18) that bring an added value as they are directly associated with the pathological mechanisms of the course of ACS.