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.

[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.

[csm1113]

What is 'white coat' BP?