Method for risk stratification in stable coronary artery disease

A method for assessing the risk of future cardiovascular events in an individual with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), the method comprising:

• (a) contacting a blood, plasma, or serum sample from the individual with antibodies of a dual antibody assay for the determination of PCT with a functional assay sensitivity of <0.007 ng/ml PCT to determine the level of procalcitonin (PCT) in said plasma or serum sample from the individual;
• and
• (c) identifying the individual as being at highest risk of experiencing future adverse cardiovascular events when the PCT level is equal to or greater than 0.05 ng/ml.

A method for treating an individual with stable coronary artery disease, the method comprising:

• (a) contacting a blood, plasma, or serum sample from the individual with antibodies of a dual antibody assay with a functional assay sensitivity of <0.007 ng/ml procalcitonin (PCT) to measure the level of PCT in a blood, plasma, or serum sample from the individual, wherein a PCT level that is equal to or greater than 0.05 ng/ml indicates that the individual is at highest risk of future cardiovascular events;
• and
• (b) treating the individual aggressively when the PCT level in said sample is greater than or equal to 0.05 ng/ml.