• K M Kerwat, C D Kratz, C Olt, M Christ, M Ziring, H Wulf, and G Geldner.
• Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Klinikum der Philipps-Universität Marburg.
• Anaesthesist. 2004 Sep 1;53(9):856-61.

AbstractThe perioperative risk is mostly determined by the patient's cardiological condition and the type of surgical intervention. Therefore it is very important during the premedication visit to identify patients with cardiac risk factors. We suggest that patients be classified into three risk classes according to the ACC/AHA recommendations in advance of the preanaesthetic visit. The majority of patients with a low or medium anaesthesiological risk profile could be identified by simple asking, e.g. whether they are able to exercise physically for 20 min or to climb two staircases without resting. For the lowest risk no further evaluation is necessary. For the medium risk class an additional preoperative diagnosis or for the higher risk class a cardiological consultation or even postoperative intensive care monitoring could be necessary. The aim of such a system is to always minimise the rate of perioperative complications and delays in scheduled surgery.

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