ANESTHESIA AND GENERAL-SURGERY IN CARDIAC PATIENTS

Close cooperation is necessary between the cardiologist and anesthesio logist preoperatively in order to identify the risks associated with a surgical procedure. This article reviews the various types of anesthe sia and their effects on the cardiovascular system, in particular in r elation to the category of cardiovascular disease. Accurate definition of the operative risk involves thorough evaluation of three essential parameters : cardiovascular status, the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia. These high-risk patients require management not only pr e- and peroperatively, but also postoperatively, which is the period w hen the majority of complications occur. Mention is also made of drug interactions between anesthetic and cardiovascular agents.