Even patients undergoing procedures unrelated to the heart are at risk for post-operative cardiac complications, a frequently under-recognized threat contributing to an estimated 4.2 million deaths worldwide within 30 days of surgery each year. New research from the University of Basel highlights the protective benefits of cardiologist involvement in post-operative care, finding that specialist evaluation substantially reduced mortality and serious cardiac events. The study underscores the growing need to proactively address cardiac risk in all surgical patients, notably as the global population ages and more individuals undergo operations.
Heart complications following surgery are surprisingly common, often going unnoticed even when the procedure isn’t directly related to the cardiovascular system. This underscores the importance of monitoring heart health in the weeks and months after any surgical intervention, as even seemingly unrelated operations can place significant strain on the body.
Researchers estimate that approximately 4.2 million people worldwide die within 30 days of undergoing surgery each year, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal. The study highlights a critical, often overlooked risk for patients.
The Study: What Happens After Surgery
Scientists at the University of Basel in Switzerland analyzed data from 14,294 patients who had undergone non-cardiac surgery. Following their procedures, 1,048 patients experienced either a heart attack or some form of cardiac damage. Of those, 58.6% – 614 individuals – were evaluated by a cardiologist, while the remaining patients did not receive specialist cardiac assessment.
The research team found that patients who *did* see a cardiologist were 35% less likely to die within a year of their surgery and had a 46% lower chance of developing serious cardiac issues, including heart attack, sudden heart failure, dangerously irregular heart rhythms, or death from heart disease.
Preventing Heart Complications After Surgery
“As the population ages, surgical procedures are becoming increasingly common,” said researcher Christian Puelacher. The study’s findings suggest that involving a cardiologist in post-operative care could prevent deaths and serious heart disease.
Researchers found that patients who consulted with a cardiologist had a lower probability of death within 12 months of surgery and were less likely to experience secondary cardiac events like heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat.
Cardiologist Involvement Lowers Risk of Serious Problems
Patients at high risk – those with pre-existing heart or vascular conditions, or individuals over the age of 65 – are particularly vulnerable. Congestive heart failure develops in approximately 15% of these patients and often presents without specific symptoms. This condition is a strong predictor of complications and death in the days and months following surgery, the scientists explained.
“Our work demonstrates that involving a cardiologist in the care of a patient after surgery is associated with fewer serious cardiac problems and improved one-year survival,” Puelacher concluded.
Approfondisci:
Cervicale, cosa fare quando si infiamma. Sintomi, esercizi e trattamenti contro il dolore: il parere del fisioterapista
Approfondisci:
Iniziare a fumare prima dei 20 anni raddoppia il rischio di infarto e ictus. “E si diventa più dipendenti”
