The primary aim of the study is to investigate new cardiac biomarkers and algorithms to diagnose acute coronary syndrome in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction.

The primary aim of the study is to detect and evaluate new cardiac biomarkers, evaluate and improve acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk scores, which takes into account clinical, gender specific, psycho-social and lifestyle-risk factors, protein patterns and genetic variability in addition to the classical risk factors with respect to the primary endpoint of acute myocardial infarction.

Secondary study aims are :

• To provide estimates for the incidence of ACS in patients presenting with recent onset chest pain;
• To provide accurate, quantifiable measures of precursors of ACS;
• DNA, RNA, cells, and serum/plasma for comprehensive genetic, gene expression and proteomic studies
• To explore the impact of ACS candidate genes on cardiovascular risk stratification by using genome-wide analyses and a biological systems approach;
• To explore proteins relevant for ACS;
• To allow the identification of new therapeutic targets;
• To evaluate the impact of socio-economic factors on ACS and CAD risk.

Patients will be followed up during the hospital stay. Afterwards a telephone follow-up will take place after 30 days, 6, 24 and 48 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction
• Ability to provide written informed consent in accordance with Good epidemiological Practice and local legislation
• Individuals at least 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

- Insufficient knowledge of the German language (able to understand and write the German language)

All patients presenting with suspected myocardial infarction in the emergency department or the chest pain unit of the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf.