Peak postoperative troponin levels outperform preoperative cardiac risk indices as predictors of long-term mortality after vascular surgery: Troponins and postoperative outcomes

BackgroundThe utility of postoperative troponins as an independent predictor of long-term mortality after vascular surgery is unknown.MethodsOne hundred sixty-four consecutive patients underwent vascular surgery and postoperative mortality was determined at 2.5 years. Troponins were drawn within 48 hours postsurgery and the peak levels, defined by the upper reference limit (URL), were categorized as negative (