Lee Cardiac Risk Score Calculator

Lee Cardiac Risk Index:

\[ \text{Risk} = \text{Points for Factors (High-Risk Surgery, CAD, CHF, etc.)} \]

Risk Score:

Risk Class:

Risk Percentage:

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1. What is the Lee Cardiac Risk Index?

The Lee Cardiac Risk Index is a widely used tool to predict the risk of major cardiac complications following non-cardiac surgery. It evaluates six clinical risk factors to estimate perioperative cardiac risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Lee Index risk factors:

\[ \text{Risk} = \text{Points for Factors (High-Risk Surgery, CAD, CHF, etc.)} \]

Where each positive factor adds 1 point to the total score:

High-risk surgery (intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, or suprainguinal vascular procedures)
History of ischemic heart disease (CAD)
History of congestive heart failure (CHF)
History of cerebrovascular disease (CVA/TIA)
Preoperative treatment with insulin
Preoperative serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL

3. Importance of Cardiac Risk Assessment

Details: The Lee Index helps identify patients at increased risk for perioperative cardiac events (MI, cardiac arrest, or death) and guides preoperative evaluation and management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Check all risk factors that apply to the patient. The calculator will sum the points and classify the risk according to the original Lee Index validation study.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the risk classes and percentages?
A: Class I (0 points): 0.4% risk; Class II (1 point): 0.9% risk; Class III (2 points): 7% risk; Class IV (≥3 points): 11% risk.

Q2: What constitutes high-risk surgery?
A: Intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, or suprainguinal vascular procedures. Examples include colectomy, pneumonectomy, or aortic surgery.

Q3: How should results be used clinically?
A: Higher risk patients may need additional cardiac evaluation or optimization before surgery. However, clinical judgment is always required.

Q4: Are there limitations to this index?
A: The index was validated in patients ≥50 years old undergoing non-emergent procedures. It may not apply to younger patients or emergency surgeries.

Q5: How does this compare to other risk indices?
A: The Lee Index is simpler than RCRI but similarly predictive. More recent indices like NSQIP may be more accurate but require more variables.