Noncardiac Surgery in Cardiac Patients

Abstract

Noncardiac surgery is not contraindicated in most cardiacs, but many require special preoperative management, particularly in regard to medications. Even when there is no evidence of myocardial dysfunction or congestive heart failure, digitalization is recommended in the patient over 65 years old or with frequent junctional or atrial premature beats or tachycardia, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or flutter, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, or a history of heart failure. Patients with class IV function should have surgery only in an emergency.