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Cardiology
Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)
🫀 Cardiology
Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)
Preoperative cardiac risk estimation for non-cardiac surgery (Lee Index)
Overview
The RCRI (Lee Index) predicts the risk of major cardiac complications (MI, pulmonary edema, VF/VT, cardiac arrest, or complete heart block) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Endorsed by ACC/AHA and ESC guidelines.
Risk Factors (each = 1 point)
Live Score:0/ 6
RCRI Score
0
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Perioperative MACE Risk by Score
| Score | Risk | MACE Rate | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Very Low | ~0.4% | Proceed with surgery |
| 1 | Low | ~0.9% | Proceed; consider stress testing if functional capacity poor |
| 2 | Moderate | ~6.6% | Cardiology consultation; optimize medical therapy |
| ≥3 | High | ~11%+ | Cardiology evaluation; consider further testing or risk-reduction strategies |
RCRI = Sum of 6 binary risk factors (0–6)
MACE = Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MI, pulmonary edema, VF/cardiac arrest, heart block)
MACE = Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MI, pulmonary edema, VF/cardiac arrest, heart block)
Clinical Notes:
• Continue beta-blockers perioperatively if already prescribed; do NOT start new BB day of surgery
• RCRI ≥2: cardioselective beta-blocker may be beneficial if started ≥1 week before surgery
• Low functional capacity (<4 METs) + high RCRI: consider pharmacologic stress testing
• ACC/AHA guideline: RCRI <1 and good functional capacity → proceed without further testing
• Continue beta-blockers perioperatively if already prescribed; do NOT start new BB day of surgery
• RCRI ≥2: cardioselective beta-blocker may be beneficial if started ≥1 week before surgery
• Low functional capacity (<4 METs) + high RCRI: consider pharmacologic stress testing
• ACC/AHA guideline: RCRI <1 and good functional capacity → proceed without further testing
⚕️ For use by qualified healthcare professionals only. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.