Is it normal to have blood pressure pill prescribed when it's normal/low?

Question

I am having a facelift and lower bleph next week, and my doctor is prescribing that I take a blood pressure pill before the surgery. I don’t have high blood pressure and am actually on the low side. Is this normal? By the way, they have never taken my actual blood pressure there ever.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Each surgeon will have their own preference of medications to use before, during and after surgery.  I normally do not prescribe a medication to lower blood pressure when performing a facelift and lower blepharoplasty.  I normally do check the patient's blood pressure at their pre-operative appointment.  There are measures that can be used during surgery to lower blood pressure if needed.  If I had a patient with high blood pressure, it is possible I would prescribe a short term medication to reduce blood pressure.  I would discuss your concern with your particular surgeon.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

It's sometimes helpful to give a blood pressure medicine just before surgery, especially if it's running high, which is common before surgery.  One dose does not last more than a day and it actually reduces bleeding during surgery.  Usually, blood pressure is taken in our office so we would be able to anticipate this need.  If the preoperative visit shows definite hypertension, a visit with the internist is required before surgery.

David K. Isaacs, MD, FACS · Answer

I always inquire about my patients' blood pressure history and I always have my patients obtain medical clearance prior to a facelift from their Internist.

I've found many patients to have blood pressure levels that their Internists do not feel should be treated with medications and they are therefore not on medications, yet is not optimal to have during the perioperative period. I therefore ask their Internist to control their blood pressure with medications ahead of time.

Some surgeons give their patients a pill that lowers the blood pressure to take on an "as needed" basis after the surgery in case there is a sub-optimal blood pressure elevation, after all reasons for the elevation are taken into consideration.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Postoperative bleeding from a facelift can be caused by high blood pressure. This is a precaution to avoid that and not a bad idea at all. Although I don't think most surgeons do it.

Is it normal to have blood pressure pill prescribed when it's normal/low?

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