TABLE 1.

The Cardiac Risk Index

Risk Factor	Points
1. Age over 70 years	5
2. Myocardial infarction in previous 6 months	10
3. Third heart sound or jugular venous distention	11
4. Important aortic stenosis	3
5. Rhythm other than sinus or premature atrial contractions	7
6. More than 5 premature ventricular contractions per minute	7
7. Hypoxemia, hypercarbia, hypokalemia, acidosis, renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, or bedridden status	3
8. Intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, or aortic operation	3
9. Emergency operation	4
Total Possible	53

Note: Percentage experiencing cardiac complications: 0 to 5 points, 1%; 6 to 12 points, 7%; 13 to 25 points, 14%; more than 25 points, 78%.

Source:Goldman et al. 1977.