Hi, my tummy tuck is coming up on the 25 of Feb. Im so excited and nervous about it that my blood pressure went up at the dr office when i went in for my surgery clearence and my EKG was abormal. I use to take Phentermine and i wonder if this will keep me from having my tummy tuck.Im still waiting for a cardiologist to evaluate me.sometimes i dont know what to do about my blood pressure it only goes up when i am in the dr office.
Answer: Abnormal EKG and high blood pressure before TT? Hello! Thank you for your question! There are a few medical comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Hypertension is one that is known to have an increased risk during a procedure. There are a number of both systemic and local host factors that can contribute to high blood pressure. Hypertension itself is not a true contraindication to having any surgical procedure, but it should always be controlled. Risks that coincide with high blood pressure, such as coronary artery disease, pulmonary issues, varicosities, etc. can certainly be worrisome as the risk for other issues including MI, stroke, etc. can be severe. Complications such as bleeding and postoperative hematomas may be increased and hemostasis obtained well. That being said, well-controlled high blood pressure should equate a minimal increased risk for the above and surgical procedures still safe and a reasonable decision. You should ensure adequate blood pressure control always, but also obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that you are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. For elective or aesthetic procedures, your surgeon may want to get you to a baseline level prior to consideration for a procedure. Discuss all of your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and discuss these risks. Also, discuss this with your anesthesiologist as proper monitoring and medications will be watched closely. This procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an uncomplicated course with an excellent result! Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Helpful
Answer: Abnormal EKG and high blood pressure before TT? Hello! Thank you for your question! There are a few medical comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Hypertension is one that is known to have an increased risk during a procedure. There are a number of both systemic and local host factors that can contribute to high blood pressure. Hypertension itself is not a true contraindication to having any surgical procedure, but it should always be controlled. Risks that coincide with high blood pressure, such as coronary artery disease, pulmonary issues, varicosities, etc. can certainly be worrisome as the risk for other issues including MI, stroke, etc. can be severe. Complications such as bleeding and postoperative hematomas may be increased and hemostasis obtained well. That being said, well-controlled high blood pressure should equate a minimal increased risk for the above and surgical procedures still safe and a reasonable decision. You should ensure adequate blood pressure control always, but also obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that you are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. For elective or aesthetic procedures, your surgeon may want to get you to a baseline level prior to consideration for a procedure. Discuss all of your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and discuss these risks. Also, discuss this with your anesthesiologist as proper monitoring and medications will be watched closely. This procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an uncomplicated course with an excellent result! Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Helpful
November 16, 2013
Answer: High blood pressure and abnormal EKG Your surgeon is doing the right thing having you see a cardiologist prior to surgery. You question does not specify how high your blood pressure is and what your EKG showed, but the cardiologist should be able to sort it out and make sure you have a safe operation.
Helpful
November 16, 2013
Answer: High blood pressure and abnormal EKG Your surgeon is doing the right thing having you see a cardiologist prior to surgery. You question does not specify how high your blood pressure is and what your EKG showed, but the cardiologist should be able to sort it out and make sure you have a safe operation.
Helpful
February 25, 2013
Answer: Abnormal test before surgery
Thank you for your question. It is not likely that your EKG was abnormal from ‘just excitement & nervousness”. Occasionally, your blood pressure can be SLIGHTLY elevated due to stressors (like excitement), but this would not be the cause for an abnormal EKG. Our patients are required to get blood work (CBC & CMP) prior to elective procedures to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo a procedure. This is done to ensure the safety of our patients. Our patients are also required to stop all medications & supplements (other than those medically necessary). In your situation, the best thing to do now is to see a cardiologist for a full evaluation to ensure you can safely undergo this procedure.
Please note that this response or any answer provided here does not constitute medical advice, patient-doctor relationship, or a replacement for a local visit with a licensed medical professional. All feedback is for information and entertainment purposes only.
Helpful
February 25, 2013
Answer: Abnormal test before surgery
Thank you for your question. It is not likely that your EKG was abnormal from ‘just excitement & nervousness”. Occasionally, your blood pressure can be SLIGHTLY elevated due to stressors (like excitement), but this would not be the cause for an abnormal EKG. Our patients are required to get blood work (CBC & CMP) prior to elective procedures to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo a procedure. This is done to ensure the safety of our patients. Our patients are also required to stop all medications & supplements (other than those medically necessary). In your situation, the best thing to do now is to see a cardiologist for a full evaluation to ensure you can safely undergo this procedure.
Please note that this response or any answer provided here does not constitute medical advice, patient-doctor relationship, or a replacement for a local visit with a licensed medical professional. All feedback is for information and entertainment purposes only.
Helpful
February 18, 2013
Answer: Abnormal EKG and HTN with History of Phentermine and Tummy Tuck
The high blood pressure may be episodic and due to nervousness, but you can determine if there is any validity to this by taking your blood pressure at home or at the drug store. The cardiologist will give you the proper evaluation and make a decision about your high blood pressure as well. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
Helpful
February 18, 2013
Answer: Abnormal EKG and HTN with History of Phentermine and Tummy Tuck
The high blood pressure may be episodic and due to nervousness, but you can determine if there is any validity to this by taking your blood pressure at home or at the drug store. The cardiologist will give you the proper evaluation and make a decision about your high blood pressure as well. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
Helpful
February 17, 2017
Answer: White coat hypertension is common.
Elevated blood pressures that occur only at the doctors office are termed "white coat hypertension." That being said, an abnormal ECG is typically considered part of the equation. Given your photo, so seem to be overweight. A combination of hypertension and an abnormal ECG requires a thorough examination and workup by a cardiologist prior to any surgery.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 17, 2017
Answer: White coat hypertension is common.
Elevated blood pressures that occur only at the doctors office are termed "white coat hypertension." That being said, an abnormal ECG is typically considered part of the equation. Given your photo, so seem to be overweight. A combination of hypertension and an abnormal ECG requires a thorough examination and workup by a cardiologist prior to any surgery.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful