Final answer:
Active cardiac conditions that may require delaying or canceling elective surgery include underlying atherosclerosis, valvular stenosis such as aortic stenosis, established cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, and immediate conditions like cardiac arrest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Active Cardiac Conditions Warranting Delay or Cancellation of Elective Surgery
There are several cardiac conditions that medical professionals consider to be serious enough to warrant the postponement or even cancellation of elective surgery. These conditions are typically related to the risk they pose for complications during or after surgical procedures.
Underlying atherosclerosis is a significant concern because it increases the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke by four to five times. Patients with this condition may require surgeries to expand narrowed arteries or bypass blockages to improve blood flow.
Another critical condition is valvular stenosis, notably aortic stenosis, where the heart valves become stiff and may calcify, leading to inadequate blood flow and increased cardiac stress. This deterioration can weaken the heart and potentially necessitate urgent surgical intervention, especially if heart attack damages the chordae tendineae or papillary muscle.
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, angina, and stroke pose significant risks. Related precursors like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis further exacerbate these risks and are reasons to consider delaying elective surgeries.
Lastly, a cardiac arrest scenario requires immediate medical intervention and is an absolute contraindication for elective surgery due to the critical and emergent nature of the condition.