Identification and management of perioperative cardiovascular risk.
Approximately 25 000 patients die each year in the UK following 1.3 million surgical procedures (Pearse et al, 2006). More than 80% of these perioperative deaths occur in patients who are at significantly high risk for surgery (12.5%) (Pearse et al, 2006). This population tends to be older, have multiple co-morbidities and have undergone major surgery. Notably, 50% were never admitted to a general intensive care unit postoperatively (Campling et al, 1993). Approximately 75% of patients who suffer perioperative death have cardiovascular disease, so it is important to try and identify these patients preoperatively (Mangano, 1990; National Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths, 2002).
Jones
Chris
C
Anaesthesia, St Georges Hospital, London SW17 0QT.
Sritharan
Kaji
K
Abu-Habsa
Mamoun
M
D018806:APACHE; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*