Anxiety before surgery causes high blood pressure - what can I do to prepare for my next procedure?

Question

Hi I have been rescheduled twice for my mommy makeover due to high blood pressure. The thing is though I only get them when am about to get the surgery done. I was given medication to help moderate it but it did not help. How can I prepare my body for my next appointment so my blood pressure wont be high? It got so high the last time I scared off 2 anesthesiologist. They gave me medication to calm me down and none of it worked.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Affectionate934882, thank you for your question.  I understand that feeling anxious before surgery is a common concern for many patients, and it can result in high blood pressure.  It is manageable with careful planning.

To begin, consult your primary care physician and share your worries about blood pressure and anxiety. Make sure you have enough rest and sleep before surgery. Lowering your stress levels can lower your blood pressure. This includes getting enough rest, both physically and emotionally, and prioritizing activities like yoga or meditation before the day of operation.

Changing your diet may also help to alleviate pre-surgery anxiety - focus on eating foods low in sugar, salt, caffeine and fat - opt for more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates instead. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),  International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's important to discuss your concerns with your doctor and follow their advice on how to prepare for your surgery. Here are some general tips for managing high blood pressure before surgery:

Follow a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower blood pressure. Avoiding processed foods, excess sodium, and alcohol can also help.
Get regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and improve overall health. Talk to your doctor about what types of exercise are safe for you to do before your surgery.
Manage stress: Stress can cause blood pressure to rise, so finding ways to manage stress before your surgery can be helpful. Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
Take medications as prescribed: If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure, make sure you are taking it as prescribed by your doctor. It's important to continue taking your medication even if your blood pressure seems to be under control.
Avoid stimulants: Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can cause blood pressure to rise. Try to avoid or limit these substances before your surgery.
It's also important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your blood pressure and your surgery. They may be able to adjust your medication or recommend other strategies to help manage your blood pressure before and during the surgery.

Best of luck !

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Managing anxiety before surgery is crucial, especially if it contributes to elevated blood pressure. Here are several strategies to help you prepare for your next procedure and reduce anxiety:

Communication with Your Healthcare Team:

Inform your surgeon and healthcare team about your anxiety. They can provide information, address concerns, and discuss the steps they will take to ensure your comfort and safety.
Preoperative Counseling:

Consider seeking preoperative counseling or talking to a mental health professional about your anxiety. They can provide coping strategies and support to manage anxiety before the surgery.
Deep Breathing Exercises:

Practice deep breathing exercises to help calm your nervous system. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times.
Mindfulness and Meditation:

Incorporate mindfulness techniques or meditation into your daily routine. Mindfulness can help focus your mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm.
Visual Imagery:

Use positive visual imagery to create a mental image of a calm and peaceful place. Visualization techniques can help shift your focus away from anxiety.
Stay Informed:

Learn as much as you can about the procedure, recovery process, and what to expect. Understanding the details can help alleviate fear of the unknown.
Create a Support System:

Talk to friends, family, or a support group about your concerns. Having a strong support system can provide emotional support and reassurance.
Distraction Techniques:

Engage in activities that distract your mind from anxious thoughts. This could include reading, listening to music, or watching a movie.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR):

Practice progressive muscle relaxation, a technique involving tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups. This can help release physical tension associated with anxiety.
Ensure a Good Night's Sleep:

Adequate sleep is essential for managing stress and anxiety. Establish a calming bedtime routine before the night of the surgery.
Follow Preoperative Instructions:

Adhere to any preoperative instructions provided by your surgeon, including fasting guidelines and medication instructions.
If anxiety remains a significant concern, discuss the possibility of anti-anxiety medications with your healthcare team. They can provide guidance on appropriate medications and dosages.

Remember, it's normal to feel anxious before surgery, but taking proactive steps to manage anxiety can contribute to a more positive preoperative experience. Always consult with your healthcare team for personalized advice based on your individual needs and medical history.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for your question. Reading your note, I think a primary care or internal medicine physician should be consulted. Somewhat raised blood pressure just before undergoing surgery is to be expected, but your case reads different. When a patient undergoes an elective procedure, and esp a lenghty procedure like a mommy makeover, where fluid shifts are expected, every patient should be in good health and condition.

Jeffrey S. Yager, MD · Answer

Seeing a doctor for your anxiety before surgery and having your anxiety treated with therapy or medication would likely help. Also, seeing a Cardiologist to make sure it is really anxiety would be prudent.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If it truly goes very high, you need to be on medication to control your blood pressure. Otherwise, your surgeon can prescribe something like Clonidine which you can take the night before and the morning of to help you feel calm and lower your pressure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit with your primary care physician to manage your blood pressure daily.  In addition to medication you want to exercise regularly and eat a healthy balanced diet.  You also may want to consider yoga or meditation to help calm your anxiety.

Maria M. LoTempio, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi- thank you for your question. Please stop all sodas, teas, coffees and energy drinks for a week before surgery. Also do not take any additional medications such as allergy medicine if you can. The days before the procedure- start some cardio exercises to use the built up anxiety. If these suggestions do not work then seek at your primary care doctor to help you solve the issues. Best of Luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your hypertension should be managed by your primary care physician or internist. It should not fluctuate to the point where surgery is scheduled. This is a clear indication that you have hypertension that’s not properly managed.
White coat syndrome does not increase blood pressure enough to have your surgery canceled. Most likely you have underlying hypertension that is not being managed appropriately.
I suggest you discuss this with your primary care, physician or internist.
Untreated, hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature death and morbidity. If left untreated, you put yourself at risk for having a stroke, kidney failure, heart attacks, and other undesirable life altering experiences.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Anxiety before surgery causes high blood pressure - what can I do to prepare for my next procedure?

Answers (9)

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