Proper medical history and physical examination for cardiac involvement of
amyloidosis (diastolic cardiac dysfunction, cardiac failure) and conduction problems
(clinical, ECG, Holter, echocardiography, radionuclide imaging if necessary) must be
obtained. If the patient is carrying a permanent pacemaker, a preoperative pacemaker check
is advised. Evaluate renal function (clinical, echocardiography, laboratory) and thyroid
hormones and function (free thyroxin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels). A thorough
assessment for signs of severe autonomic dysfunction such as orthostatic hypotension must
be obtained.