Relevant Aspects of Coronary Artery Disease in Candidates for Non-Cardiac Surgery

Ramos GC - Relevant Aspects of Coronary Artery Disease in Candidates for Non-Cardiac Surgery. Background and objectives: Due to its prevalence, coronary artery disease (CAD) represents the main cause of morbidity and mortality in elective surgeries, which justifies this review, whose objective was to establish preoperative conducts based on rules and directive to minimize peri- and postoperative morbidity and mortality of patients with CAD. Contents: General characteristics of CAD, as well as its physiopathogenic mechanisms, the main variables related to preoperative care of patients with CAD, and the conducts for patients with greater surgical risk are presented. Conclusions: Patients with CAD who are candidates for non-cardiac surgeries should be evaluated judiciously. Those identified as being at high risk can benefit from preoperative myocardial ischemia-provoking tests, as well as from invasive coronary interventions preceding elective surgeries. In selected patients, one should consider the use of beta-blockers and statins.