What is the long-term cardiac prognosis for patients following noncardiac surgery, particularly those with perioperative ischemic events?
Survivors of in-hospital perioperative ischemic events after noncardiac surgery are at high risk for long-term adverse cardiac outcomes and warrant aggressive follow-up.
The incidence of long-term adverse cardiac outcomes following noncardiac surgery is substantial. At increased risk are patients with chronic cardiovascular disease; at highest risk are patients with acute perioperative ischemic events. We conclude that survivors of in-hospital perioperative ischemic events, specifically myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and postoperative ischemia, warrant more aggressive long-term follow-up and treatment than is currently practiced.
Dennis T. Mangano (Wed,) studied this question.