SURGICAL RISK FACTORS: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES -- IMPLEMENTING ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Course overview

Preoperative assessment of patients for cardiovascular risk factors followed by the implementation of “prevention strategies,” or strategies designed to prevent the development of cardiovascular events (e.g., arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest), is an important step in optimizing surgical outcomes. Cardiovascular complications are a major cause of surgical morbidity and mortality. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the assessment of patients for surgical risk factors related to cardiovascular disease and the implementation of prevention strategies to aid in caring for the patient undergoing surgery. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.