The use of a simple clinical cardiac risk index predictive of long-term outcome after infrarenal aortic reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the value of preoperative clinical cardiac risk score (Detsky) in predicting long-term outcome in terms of survival and quality of life after elective aortic reconstruction.
DESIGN: Prospective assessment of cardiac risk factors using Detsky's modification of Goldman's Index.
SETTING: District General Hospital. MATERIALS: Ninety-three consecutive patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic reconstruction. CHIEF OUTCOME MEASURES: After a median follow-up of 50.5 months, surviving patients were interviewed to assess quality of life using a standard Rosser classification. MAIN
RESULTS: A high pre-operative cardiac risk score (Detsky > 10) was associated with decreased probability of survival, increased likelihood of suffering a non-fatal cardiovascular event, and diminished quality of life at the time of assessment.
CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative cardiac risk assessment is helpful in predicting long-term outcome.