PERIOPERATIVE HYPERTENSION

Increased activity or inadequate inhibition of the autonomic nervous s ystem is often the cause of perioperative hypertension. The goal of tr eatment is to maintain an adequate balance between myocardial oxygen s upply and demand. Newer agents, such as nicardipine and fenoldopam, ma y offer potential advantages over older agents. The cost:benefit ratio of therapy with these newer agents must also be considered. Despite t he fact that perioperative hypertension is aggressively treated, there are no long-term, large-scale study data indicating that this treatme nt affects long-term patient outcomes.