Perioperative Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia After Noncardiac Surgery: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Nursing Implications

Perioperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after noncardiac surgery increases the mortality rate of patients who experience it. Depending on the definition of AMI used and the patient population studied, perioperative AMI occurs in 0.01% to 10% of patients. Most instances of perioperative AMI occur within the first two days after surgery, do not present with classic myocardial infarction symptoms, and are the result of myocardial oxygen supply versus oxygen demand mismatch. Older patients; those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions; those undergoing thoracic, upper abdominal, or major vascular procedures; and those who experience perioperative hemodynamic instability are at particular risk. This article provides a clinically based review of the pathophysiology, perioperative risks, treatment options, outcomes, and nursing implications of perioperative AMI and ischemia. It provides evidence to assist perioperative nurses with meeting the physiologic and safety needs of their patients and highlights the evolving scientific understanding and clinical guidelines to promote current practice.