Screening for Cardiac Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Patients Undergoing low to Intermediate Risk Non-Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background Perioperative cardiovascular complications are the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing non cardiac surgery. Major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, including death, myocardial infarction or stroke, occur in approximately 1 of every 33 hospitalizations for non-cardiac surgery. Objective To uncover hidden cardiac problems that may cause complications during and after non- cardiac major surgery. Patients and Methods This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 asymptomatic patients coming to Ain Shams University Hospitals and police hospitals clinics for preoperative assessment to undergo low to intermediate risk non cardiac surgery. Results most of the study group were males (68%) with a mean age of 47 years. Diabetes and hypertension were found in 45% and 41% of patients respectively. Most patients had GIT operations (34%) followed by cataract extraction (14%), orthopedic operation was done in 11% of patients. clinical examination was normal in 98% of patients with 2% had AF and systolic murmur. Significantly abnormal ECG was found in 10% of patients. Preoperative significantly abnormal TTE was detected in 9% of patients. post-operative cardiovascular complications occurred in 7% of patients who had completely normal preoperative clinical, ECG and echocardiographic data. Most of these patients had orthopedic operations and hysterectomy. Conclusion The clinical and predictive value of routine preoperative ECG and echocardiography for major cardiac adverse events is limited especially in low-risk patients groups undergoing low to intermediate risk operations. However, it helps uncovering of hidden conditions that alter patient's plan of treatment. The type of surgery was an important factor for the occurrence of post-operative complications.