Can An Abdominal Binder Cause Increase In Blood Pressure?

Question

I’m a 40 year old male and I had full abdominoplasty and an umbilical hernia repaired four weeks ago. Since the surgery my blood pressure has been too high. They kept me in the hospital a few days longer because it went up so high. They had a cardiologist see me and she prescribed blood pressure medication. It’s not getting much better so now I’m wondering if the compression from the abdominal binder can cause blood pressure to rise. Can abdominal compression cause an increase in blood pressure?

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It may cause a small change from the pressure or even from the pain it may cause.  Talk with your cardiologist and your medication may need some adjustments to dial the correct dosage. I hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Taking the binder off and then checking the blood pressure could determine if this has any relevance whatsoever. It is probably a combination of unrecognized high blood pressure and possibly pain. Hard to say, but your blood pressure needs to be controlled to prevent hematomas in the short term and for your health in the long term. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

This seems very unlikely. Pain is a more likely cause. You will need to see your cardiologist for further evaluation and for additional meds if the pressure remains elevated. 

	All the best.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A compression garment should not be causing blood pressure evaluation.  You need to be worked-up for your high blood pressure.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

An abdominal binder does not usually cause an increase in blood pressure. You need a full workup for hypertension if your pressure remains high.

Can An Abdominal Binder Cause Increase In Blood Pressure?

Answers (7)