Perioperative management of the patient with cardiovascular disease undergoing non-cardiac surgery

Cardiac morbidity and mortality account for a significant proportion of complications after non-cardiac surgery. Risk assessment allows selection of patients who would benefit from preoperative optimization, further investigations or intervention. With the increased use of coronary stents and concomitant antiplatelet agents it is important to appraise the risks and benefits of different management strategies prior to non-cardiac surgery. A stepwise approach to preoperative cardiac risk assessment and risk reduction strategies is highlighted.