[Problems posed by anesthesia in the hypertensive treated with beta-blockaders]

The use of beta-blocking agents against hypertension and their rapid extension in daily practice we have to consider the problem of anesthesia of a patient undergoing such treatment. Continuation of the treatment increases the operative risk, discontinuation long before the operation leaves the hypertension to reappear and discontinuation 48 hours before may lead to a coronary or arrhythmic accident. Therefore, except in case of emergency, treatment may be maintained until the day before the operation, and in case or emergency extensive atropinisation is desirable. Finally prescription of selective beta-blocking agents decreases the risks.