Abstract
Frailty syndrome is a clinical syndrome in which three or more of the following criteria are present: an unintentional weight loss of 4.5 kg (10 lb) in the past year, patient-reported exhaustion, poor muscle grip strength, slow walking speed, and reduced physical activity. The prevalence of frailty in cardiac surgery patients ranges from 4.1% to 46% according to available studies.
It is associated with the occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. The Edmonton Frail Scale tool, developed for non-geriatric specialists, is useful for diagnosis in cardiac surgery and provides information regarding the patient's dependence on the environment, knowledge of coping with normal daily activities and level of physical fitness.
A wide range of other assessment tools are available. Frailty syndrome is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay after cardiac surgery.
These patients have a high risk of failure of the chosen therapeutic approach. Screening and prevention of frailty syndrome is the cornerstone of care for patients at risk.
It can be prevented by sufficient physical activity, a healthy lifestyle, and regular cognitive training.