• Gianluca Paternoster, Fabio Sangalli, de ArroyabeBlanca Martinez LopezBMLCardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care University Hospital, Verona, Italy., Pietro Bertini, Giulia Brizzi, Mauro D'Amora, Martina Locatelli, Alberto Marabotti, and Fabio Guarracino.
• Department of Health Science Anesthesia and ICU School of Medicine, University of Basilicata San Carlo Hospital, Potenza, Italy. Electronic address: paternostergianluca@gmail.com.
• J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. 2024 Sep 19.

ObjectivesPerioperative blood pressure control is crucial to ensure organ perfusion and avoid adverse events. However, no consensus on blood pressure targets is available. This study was designed to gain insights into current European perioperative hypertension management practices.DesignSurvey research.SettingOnline survey.ParticipantsThe survey was administered to members of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and distributed through the organization's social media.InterventionsA 22-item questionnaire on the approach to perioperative hypertension control and its pharmacological management.Measurements And Main ResultsThe study included surveys completed between July 1 and October 30, 2023. In total, 339 participants completed the questionnaire; 70% were anesthesiologists, 17% were intensive care physicians, and 12% were cardiac surgeons.Major FindingsMore than 50% of respondents declared dealing with perioperative hypertension in 20% to 50% of their surgeries, and most target the 120 to 140 mmHg systolic blood pressure (SBP) range during surgery. Respondents mostly rely on α-adrenoreceptor antagonists (29%), nitrates (23%), and calcium channel blockers (15%) to manage perioperative hypertension. Titratable control was the most appreciated attribute of intravenous antihypertensives. Antihypertensive treatment failure occurred in less than 20% of surgeries, and the highest risk of hypotensive episodes was perceived by participants to be when using nitroglycerin and nitroprusside.ConclusionsPerioperative SBP targets above 140 mmHg are uncommon among respondents, who predominantly target SBP values between 120 and 140 mmHg. The choice of intravenous antihypertensives is based on their manageability and user experience, and titratable control is the most appreciated characteristic.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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