Why is a Preoperative Assessment vital?
Undergoing scheduled surgery (whether general, cosmetic, or orthopedic) without knowing your cardiovascular status exposes both you and the surgical team to severe, unforeseen blood pressure or heart rhythm complications under anesthesia.
Entering the operating room with uncontrolled high blood pressure, silent arrhythmias, or without the proper management of blood thinners can force the cancellation of your procedure at the last minute, raising costs and anxiety.
A thorough preoperative cardiological assessment by Dr. Karla Castolo evaluates your surgical risk using validated international scales, providing the necessary medical report and drug-adjustment plan to operate safely.
High Specialty
National Institute of Cardiology
Safety
Evaluation of surgical risk
Integral Plan
Calculated Risk + Medical Report
What is the pre-surgical assessment?
A pre-surgical cardiac assessment is a medical consultation focused on evaluating your heart prior to a scheduled surgery.
History, symptoms, risk factors, and current treatment are reviewed in order to estimate the surgical risk (probability of cardiovascular complications) and define recommendations that minimize perioperative danger.
An assessment is recommended if:
- You were requested a cardiological or pre-surgical assessment before your surgery.
- You are over 40 years old or have risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol).
- You have a history of cardiovascular disease (previous heart attack, stent, or heart surgery).
- You experience symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
- You take cardiovascular medications and need instructions on stopping or adjusting them before the procedure.
- You will undergo major surgery or general anesthesia.
Note: If you do not know if you need it, contact us via WhatsApp and we will guide you quickly.
What does the assessment include?
It is not just a piece of paper. It is a rigorous clinical analysis designed to maximize your safety in the operating room, and includes:
- Medical history focused on surgical stress.
- Complete cardiovascular physical examination.
- Review and interpretation of previous laboratory and clinical studies.
How does the process work?
Confirmation
We confirm the type of surgery, approximate date, and general history to give you the necessary instructions prior to your consultation.
Clinical Review
In the office, we perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and evaluate your risk factors and current medications.
Studies (if applicable)
We interpret your recent laboratory tests and determine if you require any complementary in-office studies (such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram).
Closing and Plan
We deliver the formal pre-surgical assessment report with the risk calculation, recommendations, and a management plan for your medications before and after surgery.
Studies that could be indicated
They are selected in a personalized way based on your medical history and the complexity of the surgery:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Resting electrical recording of the heart. Allows ruling out arrhythmias, blocks, or sequelae of previous heart attacks. Read more about ECG.
Doppler Echocardiogram
Cardiac ultrasound to evaluate in real time the heart's pumping strength (ejection fraction) and valve status. Read more about the Echocardiogram.
Stress Test
Indispensable if coronary artery disease is suspected or if the surgery requires significant physical capacity. Read more about the Stress Test.
You will leave with a clear safety plan
Risk Estimation
Formal report stratified by international indices (Lee, Goldman, ASA) for your anesthesiologist.
Surgical Recommendations
Precise indications on the use, suspension, or adjustment of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or other drugs.
Prior Stabilization
If we detect high blood pressure or uncontrolled arrhythmias, we correct them quickly before the day of your surgery.
Postoperative Follow-up
Support and cardiological control after the procedure in case you require therapeutic readjustments.
When NOT to wait for an assessment?
The pre-surgical assessment is an exclusive service for scheduled (elective) surgeries. If you experience severe, pressing chest pain, sudden and severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or severe cardiac symptoms, you must go to the Emergency Room immediately.