Pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment after cardiac surgery

Cardiol Rev. 2014 Sep-Oct;22(5):199-209. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000007.

Abstract

Open-heart surgery has become a common procedure. Postcardiac surgery management is a critical issue and represents a crucial period in terms of physical recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation is increasingly considered as an integral component of the continuum of care for patients with cardiovascular disease. Its usefulness is now widely accepted, and therefore, it is recommended in most contemporary cardiovascular clinical practice guidelines. Similarly, early pharmacological management can modulate the pathophysiological alterations after cardiac surgery, leading to an improvement in the early and long-term outcome. In this review, we will present recent advances in postcardiac surgery management, focusing on the pathophysiology of the perioperative period and on recent evidences in pharmacological and rehabilitative strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy
  • Blood Glucose
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / rehabilitation*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Perioperative Period / adverse effects
  • Perioperative Period / rehabilitation*
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Blood Glucose
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors