Day of surgery
Is My Blood Pressure Too High for Surgery?
A single high reading rarely cancels an operation. Enter your numbers to see whether it's usually fine to proceed, worth resting and rechecking, or a reason to call your team first.
Frequently asked questions
What blood pressure is too high for surgery?
For planned surgery, most teams proceed if your blood pressure is below about 180/110 mmHg. A single reading at or above 180/110 may lead to a recheck or a short delay so it can be treated, especially before major surgery. Numbers well above this, or any with warning symptoms, need urgent attention. Your team decides based on your full picture, not one reading.
Will one high reading cancel my operation?
Usually not. Blood pressure rises with the stress and anxiety of surgery day ('white-coat' effect), so a single high reading is common and is normally rechecked after you've rested. Surgery is more likely to be delayed when pressure is persistently very high or poorly controlled over time, not because of one number.
Should I take my blood pressure tablets on the morning of surgery?
Usually yes — most blood pressure medicines are taken with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery, with some exceptions (certain ones like ACE inhibitors/ARBs are sometimes held). Follow the specific instructions from your pre-op team, and bring a list of your medicines.
How should I measure my blood pressure at home?
Sit and rest quietly for 5 minutes, feet flat, arm supported at heart height, and don't talk during the reading. Take two or three readings a minute apart and use the lower, settled one. A single high reading taken in a rush often isn't your true pressure.