Perioperative hypertension. The primary care physician's role

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Hypertension management in surgical settings presents unique challenges for primary care physicians.
• Existing literature and clinical experience guide perioperative cardiovascular care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing hypertension in patients undergoing surgery.
• To optimize blood pressure control and patient safety during the perioperative period.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on perioperative hypertension management.
• Synthesis of clinical experience to formulate practical guidelines.
• Focus on medication management, pre-operative optimization, and post-operative care.

Main Results:

• Recommendations include continuing antihypertensive therapy until surgery morning.
• Pre-operative blood pressure targets (<160/90 mmHg) and discontinuation of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (1 week prior) are advised.
• Emphasis on assessing preoperative volume status, cardiovascular disease, and managing postoperative hypertension by addressing aggravating factors.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing antihypertensive therapy pre-operatively is crucial for surgical patient safety.
• Continued medication, careful monitoring, and prompt management of blood pressure fluctuations are key.
• Collaboration between primary care physicians and anesthesiologists is essential for successful outcomes.