PREOPERATIVE CARDIAC EVALUATION - ASSESSING RISK BEFORE NONCARDIAC SURGERY

Primary care physicians are often asked to evaluate a surgical candida te's cardiovascular and general health status. In some patients, histo ry taking and physical examination provide enough information to asses s risk for the proposed procedure. In others-especially those with car diac risk factors-more extensive testing is required, such as electroc ardiography, stress testing, or angiography. Once clearance for surger y has been given, primary care physicians can suggest risk-reduction s trategies that may help to minimize perioperative morbidity or mortali ty.