ANAESTHETIC ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF CARDIAC PATIENTS FOR NON‐CARDIAC SURGERY PART I: ASSESSMENT

Abstract

SUMMARYCardiac disease is known to increase the risk of non‐cardiac surgery to patients who suffer from it. Clinical and investigation data may be used to identify those at increased risk. Attempts have been made to integrate these risk factors into systems that can quantify risk in terms of increased morbidity and mortality. In this article we discuss the various aspects of cardiac illness that are known to increase risk for patients and then look at the different scoring systems that have been produced. We consider the type and urgency of surgery and finish by providing an approach to risk assessment for non‐cardiac surgery.