Perioperative Cardiac Considerations in the Surgical Patient

Abstract

The ability to identify and guide evaluation of the patient with cardiac disease represents a necessary skill for success in surgery of the foot and ankle. Common risk factors, such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, are encountered in podiatric practice. Recognition of patients at risk for cardiac disease and a predilection for sustaining a major adverse cardiac event perioperatively advocates for preoperative cardiology consultation. Identification of risk factors, assessment of functional capacity, and appropriate work-up mitigate any untoward cardiac events surrounding surgery. This optimization results from appropriate medical and interventional treatment plans directed at minimizing or eliminating identified risks factors.

Keywords: Cardiology consultation; Coronary artery disease; Defibrillator; Medication recommendations; Metabolic equivalencies; Revised Cardiac Risk Index; Risk factors; Risk stratification.