Anaesthesia for patients with coronary artery disease.

Much has been written during the past decade regarding the anaesthetic management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The early literature on this topic focused upon care of patients undergoing cardiopulrnonary bypass for surgical correction of their cardiac conditions. However, more recent discussions have turned toward the management, during non-cardiac surgery, of patients whose underlying cardiac disease has not been corrected. This review concerns the latter group of patients. The goals to be achieved in the management of patients with CAD may be divided into two broad categories: the preservation of myocardial performance (ventricular function), and prevention or treatment of myocardial ischaemia. Accomplishment of these goals is a complex task requiring coordination of anaesthetic care, monitoring and pharmacological intervention.