1. What is the Revised Cardiac Risk Index?

The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is a clinical prediction rule for cardiac complications following non-cardiac surgery. It identifies patients at higher risk for perioperative cardiac events.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator assigns 1 point for each of the following risk factors:

• High-risk surgery (intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, or suprainguinal vascular procedures)
• History of ischemic heart disease
• History of congestive heart failure
• History of cerebrovascular disease
• Preoperative treatment with insulin
• Preoperative serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL

Risk Classification:

• Class I (0 points): 0.4% risk
• Class II (1 point): 0.9% risk
• Class III (2 points): 6.6% risk
• Class IV (≥3 points): 11.0% risk

3. Importance of Cardiac Risk Assessment

Details: Preoperative cardiac risk assessment helps identify patients who may benefit from additional cardiac evaluation or perioperative management strategies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Check all risk factors that apply to the patient. The calculator will sum the points and provide the corresponding risk class and complication rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What constitutes high-risk surgery?
A: Intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, or suprainguinal vascular procedures are considered high-risk.

Q2: How accurate is the RCRI?
A: The RCRI has moderate discrimination (c-statistic ~0.75) and is widely validated in diverse populations.

Q3: When should this assessment be performed?
A: Ideally during preoperative evaluation to guide perioperative management decisions.

Q4: Are there limitations to this index?
A: It may underestimate risk in very high-risk populations and doesn't include some newer risk factors.

Q5: What should be done for high-risk patients?
A: Consider cardiology consultation, additional testing, or perioperative beta-blockade in select cases.