PATIENT INFORMATION
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is common in people coming for surgery.
Why it matters
Blood pressure naturally changes during anaesthesia and surgery. Long-standing high blood pressure can also affect the heart, kidneys, brain and blood vessels. Knowing your usual pattern helps the team keep your blood pressure in a safe range.
What to tell the team
- Your usual readings, if you check at home
- Which medicines you take, the doses and when you take them
- Whether your blood pressure is normally controlled
- Whether you have heart, kidney or other complications, or have had a stroke
About high clinic readings
One high reading in a clinic can have many explanations, including anxiety, pain, rushing to the appointment or missed medicine. It does not automatically mean surgery must be cancelled. The team may repeat the reading after you have rested.
Very high or symptomatic blood pressure may need reassessment, treatment or a discussion about timing.
Helpful to bring
- Your medication list
- A record of home readings over a few days, if you have a home monitor
- Previous reports such as ECGs or kidney tests
Contact a doctor promptly if
You have very high readings with severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, confusion, weakness or changes in vision. Do not wait for your surgical appointment.