title: Preoperative assessment of cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures.
abstract: A careful clinical history and physical examination are the most important components of the preoperative assessment of the cardiac patient who is to undergo a noncardiac surgical procedure. From these factors and the nature of the surgical procedure planned, a reasonable estimate of potential cardiac risk can be formulated to guide judicious preoperative testing for further definition of potentially high-risk patients. The potential risks associated with an invasive cardiac procedure or surgical intervention must always be considered along with the potential benefits of such a procedure in an attempt to reduce the cardiac risk of noncardiac operations. Aggressive and conscientious preoperative assessment and perioperative care of the high-risk patient by the concerted efforts of the medical consultant, anesthesiologist, and surgeon may substantially diminish cardiac-related morbidity and mortality during noncardiac surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Gibbons
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shub
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology; D005080:Exercise Test; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative