A modern look at hypertension and anaesthesia

Abstract

Hypertension is common among patients presenting for surgery, and is frequently untreated or inadequately treated. While the approach to the patient with hypertension presenting for anaesthesia is controversial, and the evidence base for appropriate clinical decisions is weak, this is a problem that practising clinical anaesthetists face on a regular basis. This article seeks to present a unified approach to the problem of a hypertensive patient presenting for surgery, and offers suggestions as to the appropriate management options. As far as possible, the recommendations contained in this article have been based on the best available evidence.