Popular Cardiologists in Yelahanka cardiac patient having a non-cardiac operation: points to remember 1 A careful cardiac history and examination will identify patients at high risk. 2 The preoperative assessment for a major operation should not be left until the night before the operation. 3 Patients on warfarin present special problems. 4 Cardiac drugs should be continued if possible right up to the time of surgery. Anti-platelet drugs should be stopped only if really necessary.