The high-risk cardiac patient undergoing general surgery.

The challenge of the high-risk cardiac patient undergoing general surgery will be met only when an aggressive approach is taken to avoid an unfavourable balance between the oxygen supply and demand of the myocardium. In the past this challenge has been accepted in the operating room but postoperative care has been less than adequate. The intelligent use of potent, effective pharmacologic agents and intensive monitoring of myocardial performance intra- and postoperatively have greatly reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing aortocoronary bypass procedures; they can achieve similar results in such patients who must undergo general surgery.