Cardiac morbidity: Pre-op factors

While RCI is the most commonly used index for non-cardiac surgery, the ABA test-taker should also be familiar with the Goldman Index, which includes third heart sound (or jugular venous distention, 11 points), MI in the preceding six months (10 points), > 5 PVCs per minute at any point before the operation or non-sinus rhythm or PACs (7 points), age > 70 (5 points), emergency (4 points) or high risk (3 points) operation, significant aortic stenosis (3 points), and “poor general medical condition” (3 points). [More…]