Evaluation of cardiovascular risks for non cardiac surgery

Physicians are frequently concerned with the management of the surgical risk in patients with heart disease requiring non cardiac surgery. A preoperative evaluation helps to assess the cardiac risk for the planned surgery and helps to take measures to reduce that risk. We summarize the essentials in evaluating patients with coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, permanent pacemaker bearers, and those with congestive heart failure in order to prevent cardiac complications during the required surgery. Special attention has been given to the functional capacity, cardiac risk present, presence or absence of left ventricular dysfunction and the institution of protective measures. The usefulness of the ACC AHA guidelines has been summarized.