Is a full cardiac workup indicated for morbidly obese patients with cardiac disease?

Abstract

The decision to order preoperative laboratory tests for the obese patient with known cardiovascular disability must be predicated on the assumption that the results of testing will generate a change in anesthetic technique, type and extent of perioperative cardiovascular monitoring and possibly prompt therapeutic interventions before the intended surgical procedure. The single most important criterion for testing is that the results should contribute to improved perioperative cardiovascular outcome. The common practice of routine testing, based on excessive BMI, should be avoided.