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

Question

I am having arm lift surgery on Friday. I monitor my blood pressure at home on a daily basis, since my blood pressure is usually high at the doctors office due to anxiety. Every time I check it at home it is around 115/75. I know it is "white coat hypertension", but I am worried that it will be very elevated before my surgery because I am obviously going to be scared. If it is too high and I can't calm down, will they cancel the surgery?

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

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!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It sounds like your blood pressure is generally well controlled. Now, it is time to control your anxiety (sometimes easier said than done);  with anxiety control, your blood pressure should be controlled at the facility as well. Use every relaxation technique that you can think of (try music, medication, positive thoughts,  affirmations…). Best wishes for smooth surgery and an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

John W. Pinnella, MD · Answer

Your health is the most important issue especially with cosmetic procedures. It is customary to complete a full health history and phsyical with every patient, in addition I request blood work and EKG for all my patients. If you have an history of hyper tension and are on medication  you will provide that information and your primary  doctor for consultation if needed. Everyone can have " white coat " syndrome and  I take repeated readings to ensure that you are a great candidate for cosmetic surgery.

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

Answers (7)

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

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

Answer: High Blood pressure

Answer: High Blood pressure

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Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

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

Answers (7)

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

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

Answer: High Blood pressure

Answer: High Blood pressure

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Arm Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.