High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
High blood pressure is a common problem which patients
are often unaware of. Lowering blood pressure helps to
reduce the chances of heart attacks, strokes and other
blood vessel problems.
Good diabetic control is important to reduce the complications of diabetes. This is particularly important in the lead
up to an operation, as poor control increases your risk of:
If you know you have high blood pressure, make sure it is
adequately controlled, as sometimes an operation will have
to be postponed if your blood pressure is too high. Many
patients find home monitoring easy and convenient, and a
home monitor can be purchased inexpensively (please note
this should be British Heart Foundation approved). Alternatively, the health care assistants at the practice are able to
check your blood pressure for you. It may be helpful to take
a record of up to date measurements to your pre-operative
consultation, particularly if you know your blood pressure
goes up in the doctors’ surgery.
Ideally your average blood pressure should be below
140/90 (135/85 if measuring at home), although there is
some variation with certain conditions. Please book an appointment with the practice nurses of health care assistants
if you are concerned about your blood pressure.
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heart attacks
chest and wound infections
slow wound healing
worsening diabetic control following the surgery
prolonged hospital stay
Your doctor and diabetes nurses use a blood test called
HbA1c to see how well controlled your diabetes has been
over the last 3 months. Your target HbA1c will depend on
your individual circumstances, but should be no higher
than 58. Your surgery may be delayed if your HbA1c is
greater than 69.
Taking your medications regularly, eating healthily and
losing any excess weight will help to improve your diabetic
control and long term health.
If you would like to find out more about how to improve
your diabetic control, please book an appointment with
our diabetic nurse.
Pre-Operative Care
A guide to get the best outcome
from your planned surgery
Useful Information
www.drinkaware.co.uk - helpful unit calculator
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/Pages/Livewellhub.aspx healthy living advice
htt://www.preop.org.uk- more detailed guide to preoperative health
https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree- help and support to give
up smoking
Burdwood Surgery, Wheelers Green Way,
Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 4YF
http://www.burdwoodsurgery.nhs.uk/
Planning for an operation
Smoking
You have been referred for an opinion from a surgical
specialist, which may or may not lead to an operation.
Did you know that even at this stage, there are things that
you can do to improve the likelihood that surgery and
recovery will go smoothly?
As well as being the cause of many diseases, such as heart
disease, vascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking can cause problems for
people undergoing surgery.
Many long term health conditions and lifestyle choices
can affect how successful the procedure is and how well
you heal afterwards. We know that taking steps to
maximise your health will reduce complications, make you
fitter for surgery, and also benefit your health in the long
run.
• are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke during or
after the operation
Lifestyle
• have lower oxygen levels in their blood so wounds and
broken bones take longer to heal. They are also more
likely to get an infection in the wound
Even if you don't have any long-term health problems,
now would be a good time to take a look at your lifestyle
and think about ways to address any unhealthy habits.
Remember, if you are otherwise healthy and aged
between 40 and 74 you are entitled to an NHS health
check, as long as you haven’t had one in the last 5 years. If
you would like one please book at reception.
A BMI below 20 is classified as ‘underweight’ and may
indicate poor nutrition, which can delay healing. BMI’s over
25 are ‘overweight’ and above 30 ‘obese’. A BMI above 35
may put you at increased risk of chest and wound infections, and particularly with joint surgery, a less successful
end result.
Smokers:
• are more likely to develop chest infections after surgerythis is one of the leading causes of death after an
operation
• often need to stay in hospital longer
Stopping smoking even a short time before surgery will help
to reduce these risks. Please talk to your doctor or book an
appointment with the smoking cessation nurse if you would
like help or advice on giving up smoking.
Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for overall
health and wellbeing. If you are undergoing surgery, your
Body Mass Index (BMI) is linked to your risk of
complications and has an effect on the outcome of your
surgery.
Your BMI is calculated from your weight and height. A
healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25 for most people.
Whilst changing your BMI will take time, positive steps can
still be taken to reduce your risk. In some cases, weight loss
can remove the need for surgery at all. The NHS recommends ‘The Mediterranean Diet’ to reduce body weight and
improve health overall. Removing excess sugars from the
diet and taking regular exercise will also help to reduce BMI.
Alcohol
Excessive intake of alcohol increases the risks of surgery. In
those who drink above recommended limits the risks of
infections and poor wound healing are increased 4-5 times
compared to someone who drinks within normal limits.
The recommended alcohol intake for men and women is
now 14 units. This is equivalent to:
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6 pints of beer OR
5 pints of cider OR
6 glasses wine (175ml) OR
6 ‘double’ shots of spirits OR
12 alcopop bottles
Reducing or refraining from alcohol in the month prior to
surgery will help your liver to recover and be better
equipped to deal with the demands of a surgical procedure.
If you drink more than 30 units per week discuss ways to cut
down with your health care professional.