Atenolo and Sugery

[Bodoni]

I am presently on 25 mgs. of Atenolol daily for
'white coat' BP problems, occasional PVC's and
a possible nuclear perfusion defect that showed
up on my last Thallium Stress Test.

I have a Left Bundle Branch Block, as well.

I will soon have to undergo surgery for a simple
hernia. The doc says he will use IV sedation and
a local anesthesia.

Question: Should the Atenolol be tapered and
stopped a few days before the surgery? Or does
it matter because of the 'local' and not a full
general anesthesia?

Question: With my above history, are there any
other precautions that should be taken? I take one
baby aspirin daily, and I assume I should stop
taking that several days before surgery.

Thanks for the great service and all your help.

[csm1113]

What is 'white coat' BP?

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Designman,
Usually beta-blockers such as atenolol do not need to be stopped for surgery but this is up to your surgeon and anesthesiologist.  Aspirin is generally stopped a week prior to surgery but again this is up to the surgeon.  I would suggest seeing your cardiologist prior to the surgery for any additional precautions.