Peri-operative cardiac risk assessment is often a balancing act—identifying patients who need further evaluation without delaying necessary surgery or subjecting patients to unnecessary investigations and interventions. The challenge becomes even greater when deciding whether revascularization or medical optimization is warranted before a non-cardiac procedure.

This session will provide a practical, evidence-based approach to pre-operative cardiovascular evaluation and risk stratification. The discussion will cover when cardiac testing is indicated, how to assess functional capacity and surgical risk, when coronary revascularization should be considered, and how to optimize patients with conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disease. The focus will be on making clear clinical decisions while avoiding unnecessary testing, delays, and interventions.