Goldman Cardiac Risk Index
Estimates cardiac complication risk in noncardiac surgery.
When to use
Adults before noncardiac surgery, to estimate perioperative cardiac risk.
Pearls and pitfalls
- S3 gallop or jugular venous distention scores 11 points, the heaviest weight.
- Recent myocardial infarction scores 10 points; emergency surgery scores 4.
- The index is historical and should be used with current perioperative risk tools.
- It does not replace assessment of functional capacity and comorbidities.
0 points
Class I, low risk
Keep preoperative assessment and control risk factors.
Formula
Add age, recent myocardial infarction, S3 or jugular distention, aortic stenosis, abnormal rhythm, premature beats, general status, major surgery and emergency, with defined weights.
Evidence
Multifactorial index derived to predict cardiac complications in noncardiac surgery.
References
- Goldman L, Caldera DL, Nussbaum SR, et al. Multifactorial index of cardiac risk in noncardiac surgical procedures. N Engl J Med. 1977;297(16):845-850. doi:10.1056/NEJM197710202971601
Frequently asked questions
What is Goldman Cardiac Risk Index?
Estimates cardiac complication risk in noncardiac surgery. Adults before noncardiac surgery, to estimate perioperative cardiac risk.
How is the result calculated?
Add age, recent myocardial infarction, S3 or jugular distention, aortic stenosis, abnormal rhythm, premature beats, general status, major surgery and emergency, with defined weights.
How should the result be interpreted?
Multifactorial index derived to predict cardiac complications in noncardiac surgery.
What are the sources?
Goldman L, Caldera DL, Nussbaum SR, et al. Multifactorial index of cardiac risk in noncardiac surgical procedures. N Engl J Med. 1977;297(16):845-850.