If I usually have normal blood pressure, but it is high on the day of surgery because I am nervous, is that a problem?

Its not uncommon to have elevated blood pressure around anxiety inducing situations. Mild hypertension should not effect your surgical day. Anesthesia is well prepared for these situations. Good Luck!

Dear colleenway,

It's entirely understandable to have anxiety leading up to a surgical procedure, and you're not alone in experiencing "white coat hypertension." Many patients experience a temporary rise in blood pressure when they are in medical settings due to nervousness.

To address your concerns:

Surgical Safety: The safety of the patient is always the foremost concern in any surgical procedure. Elevated blood pressure can pose risks during surgery, including increased bleeding or heart strain.

Tolerance for Elevation: While it's true that extremely high readings might raise concerns, most surgical teams are familiar with the transient rise in blood pressure due to pre-surgery anxiety. There's typically a certain degree of elevation that is deemed acceptable.

Anesthesia Team: The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will evaluate your vital signs and overall health before the surgery. They are trained to understand the distinction between temporary anxiety-induced hypertension and chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Communication: It's essential to communicate your concerns with your surgical team. Let them know about your typical readings at home and your history of "white coat hypertension." They may have strategies or recommendations to help ease your anxiety on the day of the surgery.

Possible Solutions: If your blood pressure is elevated, your surgical team might employ techniques or medications to help calm you down and reduce your blood pressure to safer levels. In some rare cases, if the blood pressure remains dangerously high, it might be deemed safer to reschedule the surgery.

Preparation: To help alleviate some of your anxiety leading up to the surgery, consider relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, or even guided meditations. Familiarizing yourself with the surgical process and knowing what to expect can also reduce anxiety.

Remember, your surgical team's primary goal is to ensure your safety and achieve the best possible outcomes. It's crucial to trust in their expertise and communicate openly about any concerns.

Wishing you all the best for a smooth surgery and a successful recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It's not unusual for patients to have white coat hypertension in the immediate pre-operative period. Once patients are allowed to relax and settle down in the pre-operative holding area, blood pressure often returns to normal levels. This can be facilitated by a calm surgeon who reassures his patients. In other cases, pre-operative sedation may be helpful as well.If you're concerned about pre-operative anxiety and elevated blood pressure, it's important to discuss this issue with your surgeon. Your surgeon can, hopefully, reassure you and alleviate your anxiety.