Perioperative Management of Continuous Medication for Pre-existing Cardiac Conditions

Cardiac comorbidities place a significant burden on the German population. Every third adult is diagnosed with arterial hypertension (AHT). In 2017 congestive heart failure (CHF) pertained approximately 2,5 million of mandatory health-insured patients. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is diagnosed in 28,3% of men and 19,1% of women older than 65 years. For optimal perioperative care it is important to have a sound knowledge of current treatment strategies of cardiac comorbidities. This helps in gaining an optimal risk stratification of the individual patient. It also ensures an optimal anesthesiological perioperative care for the patient at hand. Recommendations for the perioperative discontinuation or continuation of cardiac active drugs vary between countries and responsible medical societies. This article provides an in-depth review of the current medical therapies for cardiac conditions like AHT, CHF or CAD. The varying recommendations for the perioperative discontinuation/continuation of these therapies are also reviewed. © 2021 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.