Bleeding Risks With Cardiac Disease

Abstract Patients with cardiac disease often develop hemostatic problems. Both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications can occur. These problems can be attributed to the effects of the myocardium, cardiac valves, and the coronary vessels on coagulation proteins and platelets. However, the majority of the severe bleeding and thrombotic diatheses that develop with cardiac disease are associated with cardiac surgeries and the medications needed to support the cardiac patient. This chapter will describe the coagulopathies associated with the surgical procedures and the later complications from these surgical procedures. We will review the association of hemolysis and platelet dysfunction with thrombosis and hemorrhage and the testing necessary to make a diagnosis, which will enable specific therapies for the individual patient.