Abstract
In the perioperative care of geriatric patient, it is common to have patients
with heart failure and who have had previous cardiac surgery. In order to safely and
successfully care for these patients it is imperative to understand the pathology and
progression of the disease. Additionally, it is necessary to be able to recognize the signs
and symptoms of heart failure so that it may be recognized in patients who have yet to
be diagnosed in order to determine if further testing or optimization is required.
Furthermore, it is necessary to know the special considerations necessary for the
management of patients with heart failure or previous CABG.