Peri-operative myocardial infarction

Abstract

Patients with, or at risk for, cardiac disease have a 3,9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3,3% – 4,6%) chance of suffering a major peri-operative cardiac event.1 This is associated with a significant in-hospital mortality of 15 - 25%, and subsequent cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction at 6 months (hazard ratio 18; 95% CI 6 – 57).1 This paper focuses on our understanding of the pathophysiology of peri-operative myocardial infarction, the flaws associated with the proposed definition of peri-operative myocardial infarction, and the management of peri-operative myocardial infarction.