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Review
. 2018;8(1):25-31.
doi: 10.1007/s40140-018-0248-7. Epub 2018 Feb 8.

Preoperative Hypertension

Simon James Howell  1
Affiliations
Review

Preoperative Hypertension

Simon James Howell. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2018.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review will examine the implications for perioperative management of new hypertension guidelines and place these in the context of findings from recent large observational studies.

Recent findings: Recent hypertension guidelines highlight the role of ambulatory blood pressure measurement with the implication that isolated preoperative blood pressure measurements are of limited value. There is emerging evidence from large observational studies that both preoperative and intraoperative hypotension are associated with increased risk. It is not clear if this is a particular concern for hypertensive patients.

Summary: Assessment of the hypertensive surgical patient should include blood pressure measurements taken using the correct technique. Preoperative blood pressures of less than 180/100 mmHg are not grounds for deferring surgery in the absence of active comorbid disease. Evidence to guide the perioperative management of patients with higher pressures is scanty and decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Keywords: Antihypertensive; Blood pressure; Hypertension; Perioperative medicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical StandardsSimon James Howell has received compensation from CSL Behring for service as a consultant and declares an Editorial Board Membership and Trusteeship of the British Journal of Anaesthesia.This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

References

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