[Preoperative risk evaluation in heart failure]

The primary target in preoperative risk evaluation is not to classify patients as operable or inoperable but rather to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. Indications for perioperative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are mostly the same as for patients without subsequent non-cardiac surgery. However, the time schedule often depends on cofactors such as urgency and severity of surgical interventions. Perioperative risk management requires exceedingly good communication and collaboration between surgeons, anesthesiologists and internists and offers the chance to diagnose and treat perioperative risk factors in a justifiable time and cost context.