Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Yes. Most people with high blood pressure have hernia surgery safely. The aim is a steady reading before a planned operation.
- Bring your tablet list and a week of home readings. Your anaesthetist will tell you which tablets to take on the morning.
- If blood pressure is very high on the day, a planned repair may be postponed a few days. An emergency repair goes ahead.
High blood pressure is very common, and so are hernias. Many people who need a hernia repair already take blood pressure tablets.
High blood pressure does not stop you having the operation. It does need a little planning, which this page explains.
Why blood pressure control matters
Anaesthesia and surgery put extra load on the heart. Blood pressure that is far above your usual level raises the chance of heart strain and bleeding.
When blood pressure is steady, the risk for most people is close to that of anyone else having the same repair.
What is checked before the operation
Your blood pressure is checked at the consultation and again at the pre-anaesthesia visit. Depending on your age and health, you may have a blood test, an ECG or a heart scan.
A week of home readings helps. It shows your usual level, so a single high reading in a busy clinic is not taken out of context.
High blood pressure before and after hernia surgery
High blood pressure before and after hernia surgery
| Stage | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | BP is checked and your tablets reviewed | Bring your tablet list and home readings |
| Pre-anaesthesia check | Heart and kidney tests as needed | Mention any chest pain or breathlessness |
| Morning of surgery | Some tablets taken, some paused | Follow the anaesthetist's written advice |
| Before the operation | BP is checked again | Tell the nurse if you missed a dose |
| After the operation | BP is watched as pain settles | Restart tablets as told |
| At home | Pain or poor sleep can raise BP | Take tablets daily and report very high readings |
Have high blood pressure and a hernia? Bring your readings and tablet list to the consultation.
Your tablets on the day
Most blood pressure tablets are taken on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. A few types are paused for a day because they can make blood pressure drop too low under anaesthesia.
Do not decide this yourself. Your anaesthetist will tell you which tablets to take and which to skip. Ask for it in writing.
When a planned operation is postponed
If your blood pressure is very high on the day, a planned repair may be put off for a few days while the tablets are adjusted. This is a safety step, not a refusal.
A hernia that is stuck, painful and cannot be pushed back is an emergency. It is operated on with blood pressure controlled during the surgery.
Signs that need a call after surgery
Signs that need a call after surgery
- A severe headache or blurred vision.
- Chest pain or breathlessness.
- Home readings far above your usual level.
- Dizziness or fainting when you stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery if I have high blood pressure?
Yes. Most people with high blood pressure have hernia surgery safely once their blood pressure is under control.
Should I take my blood pressure tablets on the morning of surgery?
Most tablets are taken with a small sip of water, but some are paused. Your anaesthetist will tell you which ones.
Why was my operation postponed because of high BP?
Very high blood pressure on the day raises the risk of anaesthesia. A planned repair waits a few days until it is controlled.
Is it the hernia that raised my BP?
Pain and worry can raise blood pressure for a while. A hernia does not cause long-term high blood pressure.
Will my BP be checked after surgery?
Yes, in hospital. At home, keep taking your tablets and check your reading if you have a machine, especially if you feel unwell.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.