Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 12/17/2009

Question
what would cause blood pressure to rise to 210/112, during knee surgery, he was rushed to another hospital, all heart test, blood work etc. was negative, except bp continues to be high and meds are now needed to maintain. pt exp. extreme hiccups for a day, and has increased chest pain. post op about 3 weeks, has possible hiatal hernia, given meds for reflux at this time.

Answer
Hi Diana
If this BP problem is continuing and he is requiring medication to manage his blood pressure then the most likely thing is that he had previously undiagnosed hypertension and this just became obvious while he was monitored during surgery. The anxiety of undergoing surgery can make people hypertensive but this usually settles quickly under the anaesthetic.
So bottom line it is likely this is a problem he already had and given the blood pressure level it is good that it has been detected and treatment started.
I hope he settles well on his new medication.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson