CardiologyPreventive and Pre-operative evaluations
Evaluation begins with a review of the patient’s prior cardiovascular history, including previous incidences of congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and angina. Other health factors, such as high blood pressure, a history of tobacco use and the presence of diabetes also play a vital role in the evaluation. In some cases, a physician will order an electrocardiogram to detect underlying heart disease or a history of myocardial infarction. Functional capacity tests may also be a part of the evaluation as a measure of physical ability. These tests are indicative of a patient’s risk of developing future cardiovascular complications. |
Pre-operative evaluations are used to assess the risks a patient
faces during and following surgical treatment. Approximately 3 percent
of surgeries result in serious complications or reactions – many of
which are cardiovascular-related. During a pre-operative evaluation, a
physician analyzes the cardiac functions of a patient in order to
accurately approximate that patient’s risk of developing cardiovascular
complications. In some cases, a pre-operative evaluation can help a
doctor determine whether certain preventive measures, such as
administration of beta blockers or statins, need to be taken prior to
lower the patient’s risk level.