Slice Through Surgery EOR 2025 – Ace the PAEA Practice Exam with Precision!

Performing an EKG in pre-operative assessment is particularly indicated for men over 50 with known coronary artery disease (CAD). This demographic is at a higher risk for cardiovascular complications during and after surgery due to their age and existing heart condition. The EKG helps to identify any underlying cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias or ischemic changes, which could complicate the surgical process and anesthetic management.

In the case of women over 40, while they may also benefit from an EKG depending on their risk factors, the guideline for routine EKG may not be as stringent as for men over 50 with known CAD. The guideline for all patients is generally not applied, as many patients do not present with significant cardiovascular risks, especially those without pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors. Similarly, patients with no comorbidities typically do not warrant routine pre-operative EKGs unless their surgical procedure is high-risk or they present risk factors for cardiovascular events.