Cardiac morbidity and mortality following carotid endarterectomy: The importance of diabetes and multiple Eagle risk factors

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and (2) to determine whether any Eagle risk factors and/or the indication for CEA are associated with a higher risk of an adverse cardiac event. The records of 123 male patients who underwent CEA were retrospectively reviewed. The Eagle risk factors for adverse cardiac events, indications for CEA, and adverse cardiac events were recorded and analyzed. In males undergoing CEA, the presence of diabetes or multiple Eagle risk factors significantly increases the risk of an adverse postoperative cardiac event. There is no difference in cardiac event rate between symptomatic and asymptomatic CEA. Thus, asymptomatic CEA should be approached with caution in these higher cardiac risk patients.