1. What is the Detsky Cardiac Risk Index?

The Detsky Cardiac Risk Index is a tool used to estimate the risk of perioperative cardiac complications in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. It helps clinicians stratify patients into low, intermediate, and high risk categories.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator sums points from seven clinical factors:

Where:

• Age ≥70 years: 5 points
• MI in past 6 months: 10 points
• Canadian Class III or IV angina: 10 points
• Pulmonary edema: 5 points
• Suspected critical aortic stenosis: 20 points
• ECG: Rhythm other than sinus or PACs: 5 points
• Emergency surgery: 10 points

Risk Classification:

• Class I (Low risk): <15 points
• Class II (Intermediate risk): 15-30 points
• Class III (High risk): >30 points

3. Importance of Cardiac Risk Assessment

Details: Preoperative cardiac risk assessment is crucial for identifying patients who may benefit from additional cardiac evaluation or perioperative management strategies to reduce cardiac complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select "Yes" for each factor that applies to the patient. The calculator will sum the points and classify the risk level.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should the Detsky index be used?
A: For patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery to estimate perioperative cardiac risk.

Q2: What are the limitations of this index?
A: It doesn't account for all risk factors and may need to be supplemented with clinical judgment and other assessments.

Q3: How does this compare to other risk indices?
A: The Detsky index was one of the first validated indices but has been supplemented by newer tools like the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI).

Q4: What actions should be taken for high-risk patients?
A: Consider cardiology consultation, additional testing, or modification of surgical plans as appropriate.

Q5: Does this apply to all types of surgery?
A: Primarily designed for non-cardiac surgery. Cardiac surgery requires different risk assessment tools.