The Role of Routine ECG Testing in Preoperative Evaluation Prior to Non Cardiac Surgery

The current study attempts to address an issue which is the need to obtain a preoperative electrocardiography (ECG) in all patients prior to non-cardiac surgery. Significance in patients without symptoms is uncertain. Aims: To study the incidence of ECG abnormalities in preoperative patients posted for elective non-cardiac surgery. 2. To study the co-relation of risk factors with ECG abnormalities. Materials and Methods: All hospitalized clinically stable patients advised ECG for preanesthetic assessment prior to elective non-cardiac surgery were included as subjects. Co-relation of risk factors with ECG abnormalities were studied. Statistical analysis used: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (chi-square test) Results: One hundred and twenty-eight males and 65 females were enrolled for study. Preoperative ECG was normal in 116 (60.10%) and abnormal in 77 (39.90%) patients. Abnormal ECG was more common in those with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and smoking. No adverse postoperative event was observed in any of the patient. Conclusions: ECG being a simple non-invasive tool should be considered for all patients undergoing elective procedures and should be mandatory for those with risk factors.