Table 1 Inclusion criteria

Patients must fulfill ≥ 1 of the following criteria:

1. NT-proBNP ≥ 200 ng/L;

2. History of coronary artery disease;

3. History of peripheral arterial disease;

4. History of stroke;

5. Undergoing major vascular surgery; OR

6. Any 3 of 9 risk criteria

 A. Undergoing major surgery;

 B. History of congestive heart failure;

 C. History of a transient ischemic attack;

 D. Diabetes and currently taking an oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin;

 E. Age ≥ 70 years;

 F. History of hypertension;

 G. Serum creatinine > 175 μmol/L (> 2.0 mg/dl);

 H. History of smoking within 2 years of surgery; or

 I. Undergoing emergent/urgent surgery.