Cardiology

Cardiac Anaesthesia Risk Evaluation (CARE) Score

Simple anaesthesiologist-assigned risk classification for cardiac surgery based on urgency and comorbidities.

Score interpretation

CARE 1 1

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001).

→ Proceed with standard cardiac anaesthesia care.

CARE 2 2

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001).

→ Standard precautions; ensure comorbidities are optimised preoperatively.

CARE 3 3

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001).

→ Enhanced perioperative monitoring; specialist input as required.

CARE 3E 3.5

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001). E = emergency surgery.

→ Emergency surgery; enhanced monitoring and senior input.

CARE 4 4

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001).

→ Detailed risk–benefit discussion; plan postoperative critical care.

CARE 4E 4.5

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001). E = emergency surgery.

→ Emergency surgery with critical care support; senior team involvement.

CARE 5 5

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001).

→ Surgery as a last resort: shared decision-making and goals-of-care discussion.

CARE 5E 5.5

Mortality and major morbidity rise with each CARE category (Dupuis 2001). E = emergency surgery.

→ Emergency last-resort surgery: goals-of-care discussion with the family where possible.

Interpretation bands for the CARE Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Dupuis JY et al. The cardiac anesthesia risk evaluation score: a clinically useful predictor of mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. Anesthesiology. 2001;94(2):194-204.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.