Preoperative cardiac evaluation. Assessing risk before noncardiac surgery
Almany, S.L.; Mileto, L.; Kahn, J.K.
Postgraduate Medicine 98(4): 171-174; 180-182
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5481 PMID: 7567718 Document Number: 450153
Primary care physicians are often asked to evaluate a surgical candidate's cardiovascular and general health status. In some patients, history taking and physical examination provide enough information to assess risk for the proposed procedure. In others--especially those with cardiac risk factors--more extensive testing is required, such as electrocardiography, stress testing, or angiography. Once clearance for surgery has been given, primary care physicians can suggest risk-reduction strategies that may help to minimize perioperative morbidity or mortality.