Introduction: Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia can occur after elective cardiac surgery and it is critical to identify those at high risk for developing this complication. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia after cardiac surgery. Development: The risk factors identified were age > 70 years, use of vasopressors, intra-aortic balloon pump implantation, use of cardiovascular bypass, blood transfusions, loss of sinus rhythm, left ventricular ejection fraction < 35% and aortic clamp time > 100 minutes. Conclusions: The risk factors found in the review were age > 70 years, use of vasopressors, intra-aortic balloon pump implantation, use of cardiovascular bypass, blood transfusions, loss of sinus rhythm, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35 % and aortic clamp time > 100 min.