This paper evaluates the usefulness of ASA physical status classification and the multifactorial index of cardiac risk in the preoperative assessment, without considering arterial blood gases. With the results of this study we propose to add the ASA physical status classification, the radiologic diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the multifactorial index of cardiac risk. This strategy increases the diagnostic certainty of Goldman's index of cardiac risk, is practical, not expensive and favors a better establishment of the risk of perioperative cardiovascular morbidity.