White coat hypertension and surgery. Will I be safe?

Worst case scenario your surgeon would recommend you see a Cardiologist to obtain Cardiac Clearance prior to the procedure. Of course your blood pressure and other vital signs are monitored constantly throughout the procedure. From the information you have given, it sounds like you would be safe to move forward with a tummy tuck.

White coat hypertension is a phenomenon where a person's blood pressure readings are higher when taken in a medical setting, such as a doctor's office, compared to when taken outside of a medical setting. It is called "white coat" because it is thought to be related to the anxiety or stress of being in a clinical setting and encountering a healthcare provider wearing a white coat.

If you have been diagnosed with white coat hypertension, it is important to take steps to manage your blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing long-term hypertension. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

Monitor your blood pressure at home: Measure your blood pressure at home using a reliable blood pressure monitor. This can help you get a more accurate picture of your blood pressure outside of the medical setting.

Relax before taking readings: Take a few deep breaths and relax for a few minutes before taking your blood pressure readings.

Consider ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring involves wearing a portable blood pressure monitor for 24 hours while you go about your usual daily activities. This can provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of your blood pressure throughout the day.

Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol and sodium intake, and reducing stress levels can help to lower blood pressure.

Medications: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage high blood pressure, especially if lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood pressure. Alternatively, you may just need medication to help you relax.

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors.

If your hypertension is controlled, you may still be allowed to have plastic surgery. However, I would discuss your white coat hypertension with your internist, cardiologist, and plastic surgeon.

Yes, you can have surgery with white coat hypertension if you have no other health problem.
If you have high blood pressure on the day of surgery, the surgical team will know how to manage it so that you stay safe.

I suspect you will be fine. But you don’t say how high your blood pressure was and the decision will ultimately be de used by your surgeon

Dear Joyce_angel1,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You did not say how high your blood pressure went, but if it goes too high, you will need to be treated. Otherwise, your surgeon could prescribe a couple of doses of something like Clonidine so on the day of surgery your blood pressure is reasonable.

Do you know how high your BP gets when you are in a doctor’s office? I am guessing this is due to anxiety. Best to contact your primary are a physician and find out if it is true hypertension or anxiety. The treatment will be different. But I don’t think it will stop you from having your surgery.

Patients sometimes experience high blood pressure when anxious. As long as you are otherwise healthy your surgeon and surgical team will be able to address your blood pressure the day of surgery. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.

High blood pressure can be a problem, especially in certain surgeries that are done were bleeding can be an issue, such as a facelift. However, this does not rule out Plastic Surgery has a safe option for you. It is always best to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your goals as well as the safety of any surgery. Additionally, if blood pressure can be easily controlled, then they shouldn’t be an issue. We are happy to help in any way we can.

There is no easy answer to your question about hypertension. Hypertension is hypertension without regard to the underlying cause. I find many patients who have high blood pressure while visiting a physician. That is high blood pressure!

Long-term high blood pressure primarily is a concern for heart and kidney disease. With regard to surgery, it has to do with difficulty in anesthesia, and then more importantly, for surgery, the risk of bleeding.

You will need to sequential blood pressure tests for several weeks. Four times a day with three readings five minutes apart in the sitting position with the legs are crossed. Write down the results. Take these results to your regular doctor and then make a determination about treatment.

Anxiety induced hypertension can easily be controlled with a little Valium preoperatively. It is the intraoperative and postoperative high blood pressure that is the greatest concern.

Good luck.