Cardiac effects of stroke

Opinion statement  Our brain regulates all bodily functions either directly or indirectly, and cardiovascular control is no exception. There is strong clinical evidence of cerebrogenic cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial changes during ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Alternative scenarios include cardioembolic stroke, multisystem diseases with stroke-like and cardiac features, and coincidental detection of cardiac disorders in a stroke patient. Cardiac effects of stroke may be severe or even fatal and worsen the prognosis. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that cortical and subcortical structures such as the insular cortex and amygdala play a pathogenic role. The peripheral mechanisms involve abnormal sympathetic activity, altered parasympathetic activity, and raised levels of circulating catecholamines, whereas the central mechanisms are largely unknown. Because stroke patients are best managed in an acute stroke unit during their initial presentation, a cardiocerebral approach is desirable with close cardiovascular and neurologic monitoring. Prolonged and intensive cardiovascular monitoring is recommended in patients manifesting cerebrogenic cardiovascular disturbances and in high-risk patients with insular involvement, rightsided stroke, advancing age, coexisting hypertensive or coronary artery disease, or intense emotional stress. Although the best management is largely unknown, treatment of cardiac effects of stroke is largely supportive according to the type of disturbance. Severely affected patients should be evaluated by a cardiologist prior to the initiation of appropriate therapy. Much more clinical and basic research is needed to allow a full understanding of the brain-heart control, the consequences of disruption of this control, the true incidence of cardiac effects of stroke, and the evidence-based treatment options.     

Cardiac effects of stroke

Opinion statement Our brain regulates all bodily functions either directly or indirectly, and cardiovascular control is no exception. There is strong clinical evidence of cerebrogenic cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial changes during ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Alternative scenarios include cardioembolic stroke, multisystem diseases with stroke-like and cardiac features, and coincidental detection of cardiac disorders in a stroke patient. Cardiac effects of stroke may be severe or even fatal and worsen the prognosis. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that cortical and subcortical structures such as the insular cortex and amygdala play a pathogenic role. The peripheral mechanisms involve abnormal sympathetic activity, altered parasympathetic activity, and raised levels of circulating catecholamines, whereas the central mechanisms are largely unknown. Because stroke patients are best managed in an acute stroke unit during their initial presentation, a cardiocerebral approach is desirable with close cardiovascular and neurologic monitoring. Prolonged and intensive cardiovascular monitoring is recommended in patients manifesting cerebrogenic cardiovascular disturbances and in high-risk patients with insular involvement, rightsided stroke, advancing age, coexisting hypertensive or coronary artery disease, or intense emotional stress. Although the best management is largely unknown, treatment of cardiac effects of stroke is largely supportive according to the type of disturbance. Severely affected patients should be evaluated by a cardiologist prior to the initiation of appropriate therapy. Much more clinical and basic research is needed to allow a full understanding of the brain-heart control, the consequences of disruption of this control, the true incidence of cardiac effects of stroke, and the evidence-based treatment options.     

Neurologic complications after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: types, predictors, and timing.

To determine the nature of neurologic dysfunction after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic arch surgery, we reconsidered the cases of 154 patients who had undergone aortic arch surgery (either of the ascending or transverse aorta, or both) between November 1993 and July 1999. Temporary postoperative neurologic dysfunction was seen in 9 patients (5.8%), and another 3 patients (1.9%) experienced stroke. Patients with temporary neurologic dysfunction had no new infarct and were discharged home with no residual symptoms. Computed tomographic scans revealed that 2 patients with stroke had multiple infarcts in the brainstem, and the 3rd had bilateral border-zone infarcts. The patients with brainstem infarcts died on postoperative days 7 and 15, and the patient with border-zone infarct was discharged home with no symptoms 3 months after surgery. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with neurologic deficits had significantly higher rates of history of hypertension, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac ischemia times longer than 90 minutes, and chronic renal failure. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the significant preoperative variables associated with neurologic deficits were a history of hypertension and a cardiac ischemia time longer than 90 minutes. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is a safe and useful technique for protection of the brain during surgery for complex aortic problems. In future, some patients at extreme risk for perioperative neurologic complications might be offered novel neuroprotective agents, in combination with deep hypothermia.     

Stroke unit: a cardio-cerebral approach

Stroke units are special units where stroke patients receive, simultaneously, medical and physical treatment. Compared to general neurological and medical wards, stroke units show a significant reduction of short- and long-time mortality, and an improvement of long-term quality of life. Nevertheless, mortality in these units is still high (1-year mortality approximately 32%; 5-year mortality degrees 60%), and consequently, new approaches are needed to control stroke parameters during the acute phase, with the goal to reduce mortality rates. The philosophy of our stroke unit in Fermo (Italy), is to establish a strong association between heart and brain care by approaching each stroke patient as a cardiocerebral patient. In particular, we perform 12-lead Holter ECG monitoring, to prevent the vicious cycle affecting correct cerebral and cardiac functions, and to react to cardiac complications, mostly arrhythmias, that can worsen cerebral damage. Holter ECG monitoring allows a fast physiotherapeutic approach, a better evaluation of metabolic parameters, and collectively, a better global evaluation of the patient during the acute phase of disease. In two years of activity, 80 patients that were admitted to our stroke unit during 1998, and treated as cardio-cerebral patients, were followed-up. This combined treatment decreased the 1-year mortality rate by about 30%, in comparison with the 22% mortality rate reported in the literature. These results confirm the validity of stroke units, as well as of our approach based on cardio-cerebral control of each stroke patient.     

Thoracoscopic extracardiac obliteration of the left atrial appendage for stroke risk reduction in atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated left atrial appendage obliteration in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage thrombosis and embolization is the principal mechanism of stroke in AF. Anticoagulation is underutilized and often contraindicated. METHODS: Thoracoscopic Left Appendage, Total Obliteration, No cardiac Invasion (LAPTONI) was undertaken with a loop snare in eight patients and a stapler in seven patients, median age 71 years, with clinical risk factors for stroke and with an absolute contraindication to or failure of prior thrombosis prevention with warfarin. Eleven patients had a history of prior thromboembolism. One patient took sustained warfarin during follow-up. RESULTS: The LAPTONI procedure was completed in 14 of 15 patients, and 1 patient required urgent conversion to open thoracotomy because of bleeding. Patients have been followed up for 8 to 60 months, mean 42 +/- 14 months. One fatal stroke occurred 55 months after surgery, and one non-disabling stroke three months after surgery. Two other deaths occurred, one after coronary bypass surgery and the other from hepatic failure. The subgroup of 11 patients with prior thromboembolism had an annualized rate of stroke of 5.2% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3 to 21) after LAPTONI, which compares to a rate of 13% per year (95% CI 9.0 to 19) for similar aspirin-treated patients from the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation trials (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: The LAPTONI procedure appears technically feasible without immediate disabling neurologic morbidity or mortality, and it demonstrates low post-operative event rates and a statistical trend toward thromboembolic risk reduction in high-risk AF patients.     

STROKE UNIT: A CARDIO-CEREBRAL APPROACH

Stroke units are special units where stroke patients receive, simultaneously, medical and physical treatment. Compared to general neurological and medical wards, stroke units show a significant reduction of short- and long-time mortality, and an improvement of long-term quality of life. Nevertheless, mortality in these units is still high (1-year mortality ～32%; 5-year mortality ～60%), and consequently, new approaches are needed to control stroke parameters during the acute phase, with the goal to reduce mortality rates. The philosophy of our stroke unit in Fermo (Italy), is to establish a strong association between heart and brain care by approaching each stroke patient as a cardio-cerebral patient. In particular, we perform 12-lead Holter ECG monitoring, to prevent the vicious cycle affecting correct cerebral and cardiac functions, and to react to cardiac complications, mostly arrhythmias, that can worsen cerebral damage. Holter ECG monitoring allows a fast physiotherapeutic approach, a better evaluation of metabolic parameters, and collectively, a better global evaluation of the patient during the acute phase of disease. In two years of activity, 80 patients that were admitted to our stroke unit during 1998, and treated as cardio-cerebral patients, were followed-up.

This combined treatment decreased the 1-year mortality rate by about 30%, in comparison with the 22% mortality rate reported in the literature. These results confirm the validity of stroke units, as well as of our approach based on cardio-cerebral control of each stroke patient.     

Cardiac valvular papillary fibroelastoma: a report of 2 cases

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare cardiac valve tumors with potential for life-threatening complications such as stroke or sudden death. We report 2 cases of papillary fibroelastoma that were found by echocardiography. The 1st tumor arose from the mitral valve in a patient who presented after multiple transient neurologic events. The 2nd tumor arose from the aortic valve and was found incidentally during coronary artery bypass grafting. Both patients underwent successful surgical removal of the tumor.     

Carotid surgery under cervical block anesthesia. A simple method of heart and brain protection in high risk patients

Between January 1, 1985, and December 15, 1987, 60 patients underwent surgery for carotid lesions under local cervical block anesthesia. Sixty-seven reconstruction procedures were performed including 64 endarterectomies and 3 vein bypasses. During the same 3 year period, 938 other reconstruction procedures were carried out under general anesthesia for a total of 1005 procedures. These 60 patients, who accounted for 6.7% of our indications, were selected for surgery under local anesthesia because they were at high risk for cardiac and neurologic complications. As far as staging is concerned, this subgroup of patients included: 14 asymptomatic cases (stage 0), i.e., 21%; 44 transient ischemic attacks (stage I), i.e., 66%; 2 progressive stroke (stage II), i.e., 3%; 7 patients with neurologic sequels (stage III), i.e., 10%. In all 79% of the patients were symptomatic. The asymptomatic patients all presented bilateral tight stenosis sometimes with thrombosis of the contralateral carotid. The technique of local anesthesia and endarterectomy were classic: closing with a bougie to calibrate the lumen, systematic intraoperative arteriography and immediate correction of technical failures (2 times); no death occurred among the patients in stages 0, 1 and II; 1 early asymptomatic occlusion that was not corrected was noted; in one case, a ligation of the carotid was necessary after technical failure, without consequences; one death occurred in stage III after intracerebral hemorrhage. On the basis of our experience local cervical block anesthesia appears to be a simple and reliable method of ensuring intraoperative diagnosis of cerebral ischemia. It eliminates all intraoperative cerebral complications secondary to ischemia and allows a better understanding of the physiopathologic mechanisms underlying perioperative neurologic complications. The absence of neurologic and cardiac complications in this series of very high risk patients enables us to extend eligibility for surgery to include patients with unstable cardiac and cerebral disease.     

Photographic Monitoring under Intravenous Sedation

Abstract: To reduce the time and patient discomfort associated with laparoscopy, intravenous administration of a hypnotic sedative and photographic monitoring were used. The time needed to complete laparoscopy was reduced from 39 ±7 to 35 ±6 min with use of the monitoring equipment. Questionnaires completed by 66 patients revealed 64 (97.0%) to have virtually no memory of pain caused by the intravenous anesthesia during laparoscopy, and 54 (81.8%) requested intravenous anesthesia for the next laparoscopy. The photographs taken were of excellent quality. Intravenous anesthesia and the use of photographic monitoring were found to be useful means of reducing patient discomfort and facilitating performance of the procedure.     

Percutaneous device closure of the patent foramen ovale during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To review the procedures, results and follow-up of patients who underwent percutaneous device closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) during pregnancy. We report modifications made to the established technique that allowed absolute minimization of radiation exposure. Relevant management issues of this unusual presentation of cardiac disease in pregnancy are discussed. BACKGROUND: Stroke during or immediately prior to pregnancy is a catastrophic event. Paradoxical embolism may be more frequent due to the hypercoagulable state and increased incidence of venous thromboembolism. Treatment strategies must take into account the competing risks to mother and fetus. METHODS: Three patients, aged 34, 27, and 39, presented with ischemic neurological events during or immediately preceding pregnancy. Due to evidence of recurrent events or relative contraindication to anticoagulation they proceeded to percutaneous device closure during the second trimester. The Helex device (WL Gore and Associates) was used in all patients. Procedures were performed with local anesthesia under intra-cardiac echocardiography guidance. RESULTS: Successful closure was achieved with the Helex device in all three patients. Radiation doses, as assessed by dose area product, were 260, 58, and 19 cGy/cm(2), with estimated uterine (fetal) dose of <0.005 mGy, <0.001 mGy, and <0.0005 mGy. There were no peri-procedural complications. Despite one patient subsequently developing pre-eclampsia and another major post-partum hemorrhage all pregnancies were successful and free of further neurologic events. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous device closure of the PFO is a feasible option for selected patients with cryptogenic stroke believed secondary to paradoxical embolism. The procedure can be performed safely and effectively under local anesthesia using intra-cardiac echocardiography and with trivial fetal radiation exposure.     

Cardiac arrhythmias during peritoneoscopy under local anesthesia

Thirty consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic peritoneoscopy using carbon dioxide (CO₂) pneumoperitoneum with local anesthesia were studied to determine the incidence and types of cardiac arrhythmias occurring during the procedure. All patients received heavy sedation with diazepam intravenously and parenteral analgesics when necessary, but no general anesthesia. There was no mortality or unusual morbidity resulting from the procedure. None of the patients developed serious cardiac arrhythmias despite the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease in 16 of them, and none of the patients developed significant carbon dioxide retention or hypoxemia. A potentially dangerous finding was temporary diastolic hypertension occurring in 6 patients. It is concluded that if properly performed, peritoneoscopy with carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum in the conscious patient, despite heavy sedation and analgesia to combat peritoneal irritation, produces no dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Previous reports of cardiac arrhythmias occurring during the same procedure performed under general anesthesia are discussed.     

Use of tissue plasminogen activator in a stroke after radiofrequency ablation of a left-sided accessory pathway

We describe the case of a 12-year-old girl who had a thromboembolic stroke after radiofrequency ablation of a left posterior accessory pathway involving a transseptal procedure. Symptoms of a stroke occurred 7 hours 15 minutes after completion of the procedure. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was given 2 hours 30 minutes after the onset of symptoms, with complete resolution of her neurologic symptoms. No adverse effects from the tPA were seen. Because of the late onset of symptoms in this case, overnight in-hospital observation is warranted for patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation of a left-sided accessory pathway or an accessory pathway in a patient with the ability to shunt right to left. In this case, tPA was an effective and safe drug to use following a cerebral thromboembolic event occurring after a cardiac catheterization procedure.     

Iatrogenic Strokes and Covert Brain Infarcts After Percutaneous Cardiac Procedures: An Update

Millions of cardiac procedures are performed worldwide each year, making the potential complication of periprocedural iatrogenic stroke an important concern. These strokes can occur intraoperatively or within 30 days of a procedure and can be categorised as either overt or covert, occurring without obvious acute neurologic symptoms. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and strategies for preventing overt and covert strokes associated with cardiac procedures is imperative for reducing periprocedural morbidity and mortality. In this narrative review, we focus on the impacts of perioperative ischemic strokes for several of the most common interventional cardiac procedures, their relevance from a neurologic standpoint, and future directions for the care and research on perioperative strokes. Depending on the percutaneous procedure, the rates of periprocedural overt strokes can range from as little as 0.01% to as high as 2.9%. Meanwhile, covert brain infarctions (CBIs) occur much more frequently, with rates for different procedures ranging from 10%-84%. Risk factors include previous stroke, atherosclerotic disease, carotid stenosis, female sex, and African race, as well as other patient- and procedure-level factors. While the impact of covert brain infarctions is still a developing field, overt strokes for cardiac procedures lead to longer stays in hospital and increased costs. Potential preventative measures include screening and vascular risk factor control, premedicating, and procedural considerations such as the use of cerebral embolic protection devices. In addition, emerging treatments from the neurologic field, including neuroprotective drugs and remote ischemic conditioning, present promising avenues for preventing these strokes and merit investigation in cardiac procedures.     

Carotid artery stenting with filter protection

BACKGROUND: Neurologic events associated with distal embolization of debris during percutaneous carotid artery stenting complicate the procedure. Filter devices for cerebral protection potentially reduce the risk of embolization and other neurologic events. We studied the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of carotid artery stenting with a filter device. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between January 2002 and January 2003, a total of 22 consecutive patients (30 lesions) who had >70% diameter stenosis of the internal carotid artery underwent carotid artery stenting with filter protection at our institute. The mean age of the patients was 64+/-9 years; 14 were men and 8 women, and 15 had neurologic symptoms. A stent was successfully implanted in 29 lesions. It was possible to position a filter device in all the 29 lesions. Neurologic complications during the procedure, in the hospital, and at 30-day clinical follow-up occurred in 2 patients. One patient suffered a minor stroke that resolved within 24 hours. None of the patients had a major embolic stroke. There was one death from intracerebral hemorrhage related to hyperperfusion and the use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Filter protection during carotid artery stenting seems technically feasible, safe, and effective. In the present study, the incidence of embolic neurologic events was low.     

高血容量血液稀释对老年患者围术期血流动力学的影响

目的:观察高血容量血液稀释(hypervolemic hemodilution,HHD)对老年患者围术期血流动力学的影响。方法:选取20名无心脏病史的麻醉手术患者;10名患者65周岁,10名55周岁。所有入试患者在术前接受相同的HHD处理(60 g/L羟乙基淀粉静脉输注,15 ml/kg)。在血液稀释后不同时间使用经食管多普勒超声监测(transesophageal Doppler monitoring,TDM)患者的血流动力学变化,同时监测患者血细胞比容(Hct)、血红蛋白、血气及心电变化。结果:所有患者手术期间均未发生任何并发症。两组患者间的一般资料、生化检查数据、Hct、血气等均无统计学差异。HHD后对照组(55周岁)的心排出量(cardiac output,CO)升高,老年组(65周岁)降低。对照组的心率(heart rate,HR)下降和心搏指数(stroke index,SI)升高(P0.05),而老年组HR无明显改变,SI轻微下降。血液稀释后对照组患者的外周血管阻力值有明显下降(P0.05),而老年患者出现了升高的趋势。结论:无心脏病史的老年患者并不能很好耐受术前急性高容量血液稀释。HHD可以导致由SI下降所致的CO下降。     

Per and early postoperative use of low molecular weight heparin in carotid surgery

The goal of this study was to evaluate per and postoperative use of nadroparin during carotid surgery with mortality and neurologic morbidity as primary end points. From January 1995 to December 1999, 237 procedures were performed on 215 patients for isolated carotid surgery; 57% were symptomatic. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia. Before clamping, patients received an intravenous bolus of 70 UI/kg of nadroparin. Shunting was used in 40% of patients. Postoperatively, from the 6(th) hour, nadroparin was given subcutaneously, 2,850 UI or 3,800 UI every 12 hours depending on the patient weight (less or more than 70 kg). The only biologic surveillance was platelet count twice a week. Antiplatelet drugs were given at day 2. Completion Duplex scan was performed before day 30. Seven postoperative ischemic strokes (3 non disabling) occurred including one fatal stroke. Another patient died at day 25 from inaugural duodenal bleeding due to pancreas cancer. The 30 days stroke or death rate was 3.37% (5.92% in symptomatic; 0% in asymptomatic). No hemorrhagic stroke occurred. Four patients were reoperated for cervical hematoma (1.68%). No thrombocytopenia occurred. Duplex scan, performed on 235 operated carotid arteries, showed 2 asymptomatic carotid thromboses. No other cardiovascular complication was found on clinical data. These results are comparable to published literature data in prospective as well as retrospective studies. Per and postoperative use of nadroparin in carotid surgery gave results similar to previously published reports in terms of mortality, neurologic morbidity and hematoma. Its easy use, needing only 2 injections a day and platelet count, with a reduction of the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia make the use of nadroparin very attractive during the perioperative period.     

Clinically probable brainstem stroke presenting primarily as dysphagia and nonvisualized by MRI

Ten patients with clinically probable brain-stem stroke presenting primarily as acute dysphagia but without visible brainstem abnormality by MRI are described. The patients were evaluated with neurologic examinations, cinepharyngoesophagography, and brain MRI studies. Each patient solely or predominately experienced sudden pharyngeal dysphagia, and additional symptoms or signs other than dysphonia or dysarthria were scarce. Small vessel disease or cardiac embolism were the apparent causes of what appear to have been very discrete brainstem strokes in these patients. Acute pharyngeal dysphagia can be the sole or primary manifestation of brainstem stroke. A negative MRI study should not preclude consideration of this diagnosis, if brainstem stroke is otherwise clinically probable.     

Neurologic sequelae of cardiac catheterization

Neurologic complications are a known and at times tragic consequence of cardiac catheterization. During a four-year period, 1,362 procedures were performed at our institution on children less than 15 years of age. Eighteen children, without prior nervous system disease, developed neurologic sequelae within 24 hours of cardiac catheterization (1.3%). Three presented with seizures only, ten with neurologic deficits, and five with both focal seizures and stroke. Computerized tomography scans (16 patients) demonstrated areas of nonhemorrhagic infarction in all but one. The 18 patients were studied retrospectively for possible factors contributing to the neurologic complications. They were matched to controls by age, cardiac lesion, and catheterization technique. Data examined included catheterization duration and approach, contrast agent, precatheterization urine specific gravity, pre- and postcatheterization hematocrit, blood loss, and intracatheterization events. Catheter and catheter sheath clots were noted in both patient groups. The neurologic complication group had 7/18 intracatheterization neurologic events versus only one in the controls and the change in hematocrit was greater in the complication group (t = 2.89, p less than 0.01). Due to this study's results and to prevent possible thromboembolic events, a heparinization protocol was instituted and patients were prospectively observed for neurologic complications. No neurologic complications have occurred over three years since the institution of this protocol.     

Holter monitoring in the diagnosis of stroke mechanism

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF), an important and treatable cause of ischaemic stroke, can occur as a sustained or a paroxysmal arrhythmia. Continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring (Holter monitoring) is often performed in stroke patients to identify paroxysmal AF, which is an indication for warfarin anti-coagulation in this patient population. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of Holter monitoring in detecting occult AF in patients with possible cardioembolic stroke. METHODS: The medical records of ischaemic stroke patients consecutively hospitalized at a single academic centre during a one-year period were reviewed. Data regarding patient demographics, stroke characteristics, electrocardiography and echocardiography results and duration and findings of Holter monitoring were abstracted. The primary outcome was yield of newly diagnosed AF on Holter monitoring. RESULTS: Of 465 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of new ischaemic stroke, 210 underwent Holter monitoring. The mean duration of monitoring was 22.8 +/- 4.0 h. Previously undiscovered AF was -identified in five cases (2.4%), all of which represented non-rheumatic AF. In three cases, the Holter test was negative despite AF documented on an admission electro-cardiogram. CONCLUSIONS: Holter monitoring can identify occult paroxysmal AF, assisting targeted secondary prevention in patients with new ischaemic stroke. However, the standard 24-h duration of monitoring probably under-estimates the prevalence of paroxysmal AF in this population. Prospective studies are indicated to evaluate the value of longer monitoring periods in stroke populations.     

High thoracic epidural anesthesia in cardiac surgery: risk factors for arterial hypotension

There is an interest in the use of high thoracic epidural anesthesia in cardiac surgery, because experimental and clinical studies have suggested that central neuroaxial blockade attenuates the response to surgical stress and improves myocardial metabolism and perioperative analgesia-thus enabling earlier extubation and a smoother postoperative course. Matters of major concern in the adoption of high thoracic epidural anesthesia in cardiac surgery are neurologic injury secondary to neuroaxial hematoma and hypotension secondary to sympatholysis. The risk associated with possible neuraxial hematoma caused by high thoracic epidural anesthesia has been thoroughly investigated and largely discounted, but scant attention has been devoted to the onset of hypotensive episodes in the same setting. We analyzed the hypotensive episodes that occurred in a series of 144 patients who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery procedures. Among the patient variables that we tested in a multivariate logistic-regression model, only female sex was found to be significantly correlated with hypotension. In order to decrease the incidence and severity of hypotensive episodes resulting from anesthetic blockade, anesthesiologists need to monitor, with special care, women patients who are under high thoracic epidural anesthesia. Further studies are needed in order to determine why women undergoing open heart surgery under high thoracic epidural anesthesia are at a relatively greater risk of hypotension.