The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing the ischemic state in a subject suffering from acute coronary syndrome who does not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for a myocardial infarction. The present disclosure also relates to a method for identifying a subject being susceptible to cardiac intervention, wherein the subject suffers from acute coronary syndrome but does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for a myocardial infarction. The methods of the present disclosure are based on the determination of fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) and, optionally, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a sample of said subject. The present disclosure also relates to kits and/or devices for carrying out the methods disclosed herein.