Chronic pain: a modifiable target to reduce perioperative cardiovascular morbidity.

Sikandar, Shafaq; Ackland, Gareth L · Br J Anaesth · 2025

Where this comes from

Abstract

Recent epidemiological studies suggest that chronic pain is a clinically under-recognised cause for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Up to 30% of patients undergoing surgery report chronic pain, but the impact of pre-existing pain on postoperative cardiovascular outcomes is not known. Chronic pain and cardiovascular dysfunction share fundamental pathological mechanisms. Chronic pain is a modifiable risk factor for perioperative cardiovascular morbidity.

Medical subject headings