Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients without previous history of cardiac disease can be regarded as low-risk when undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to examine whether preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level predicted postoperative cardiac events in these patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Preoperative BNP level was measured in 163 patients whose risk was considered low according to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index. Postoperative cardiac events, including death during hospitalization, myocardial injury, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular accidents and congestive heart failure were assessed. RESULTS: Postoperative cardiac events occurred in 8 patients (4.9%). Preoperative BNP levels were significantly higher among patients who experienced postoperative cardiac events, compared to those who did not (130.6±148.8 vs. 57.9±70.8 pg/mL, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Preoperative BNP level may provide prognostic information in low-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.