Cardiology Pre-Op

Question 1

History

Answer 1

• Symptoms such as angina, dyspnea, syncope, and palpitations
• Functional status
• History of heart disease

Question 2

History of heart disease to evaluate

Answer 2

• Ischemic, valvular, or cardiomyopathic disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cerebrovascular or peripheral artery disease

Question 3

Physical examination

Answer 3

• Blood pressure measurements
• Auscultation of the heart (murmurs) and lungs (crackles)
• Abdominal palpation
• Examination of the extremities for edema and vascular integrity

Question 4

If the patient’s cardiovascular risk is elevated (intermediate or high)

Answer 4

• They are referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation

Question 5

Studies to conduct

Answer 5

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with cardiac disease
• For patients with known or suspected heart disease, only perform further cardiac evaluation (echocardiography, stress testing, or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring) if it is indicated in the absence of proposed surgery