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Pre-operative evaluation for major non-cardiac surgery

Pre-operative evaluation for major non-cardiac surgery involves the evaluation of risk factors and medication management to assess the need for surgery and to decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications. Many patients that undergo major non-cardiac surgery may be at risk of a cardiovascular event which may be related to patients and surgery specific characteristics.

Identifying these risks helps the surgeon and the patient better understand the benefit-to-risk ratio of the procedure planned, which may lead to certain interventions being taken to decrease the risk. The risk factor for developing cardiovascular complications include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history
  • Inactivity
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Smoking
  • Age
  • Stress

There are common cardiovascular complications that may occur during a procedure, such as:

  • Heart failure
    This is the most common complication that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood as it should.
  • Stroke
    This occurs when the arteries to the brain become narrow or blocked, resulting in little blood reaching the brain. This causes brain tissues to die.
  • Heart attack
    This is when a blood clot blocks the blood flow in the blood vessel that is responsible for feeding the heart. This may then damage or destroy a portion of the heart muscle.
  • Peripheral artery disease
    This condition occurs when your extremities, such as your legs, don't receive enough blood flow causing symptoms like leg pain when walking.
  • Sudden cardiac arrest
    This is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness that is normally caused by an arrhythmia

Dr Dreyer will help evaluate and check the following prior to major non-cardiac surgery:

  • The condition you have or are living with.
  • Pain management.
  • Medications you are taking and which medications you should continue or stop prior to surgery.
  • You may also be asked to quit smoking.

Non-cardiac surgery FAQ:

1After the procedure, will rehabilitation be required?
In most cases, people who have to undergo non-cardiac surgery have benefited from a structured, comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes exercise, reducing risk factors and dealing with stress, depression and anxiety.
2When can I go back to drinking the medication I was instructed to stop drinking?
Your doctor will indicate when you can go back to taking your medication.
3How does high blood pressure affect my heart?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure may result in hardening and thickening of the arteries while narrowing the blood vessels.
 
 
 
 
 

"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity."

~ Hippocrates