Hemodynamic monitoring and care of the patient of high risk for anesthesia.

Hemodynamic monitoring and care of the patient at high risk for anesthesia require a careful and systematic approach. During preoperative evaluation the patient at increased risk must be identified and correctable problems must be solved. The patient's current medications must be reviewed because they may influence the choice of anesthetic approach and may alter the physiologic response to the stresses commonly associated with anesthesia. In addition to conventional clinical and electrocardiographic monitoring, perioperative hemodynamic monitoring may be desirable for patients at special risk, who are likely to have significant associated medical problems or to undergo complicated surgical procedures. No ideal induction agent exists, and hypotension secondary to peripheral vasodilation or myocardial depression, or both, is a potential problem. Patients with an inordinately high risk may benefit from mechanical circulatory assistance prior to induction of anesthesia. Attention to oxygenation, blood volume replacement and the prevention of hypertensive episodes are particularly important during anesthesia so that optimal cardiac performance is ensured and ischemia avoided. The stresses during emergence from anesthesia contribute to lability of the cardiovascular status and hypoxemia. The period of risk does not conclude with immediate recovery from anesthesia but extends through the postoperative phase. Careful monitoring and attention to the control of pain, prevention of hypotension and hypertension, adequate oxygenation, early mobilization and resumption of the administration of cardiac medications are important factors in a successful outcome.