Over-Cautious Approach to High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Unnecessary Procedures, Expert Warns
A medical consultant has cautioned against the overreaction to temporary spikes in blood pressure, warning that it can lead to patients undergoing invasive and potentially risky procedures like cardiac catheterization when they are not truly needed.
The expert, Al-Nimr, explained that a sudden increase in blood pressure can occur as a natural physiological response to strong emotions or psychological stress, and doesn’t automatically indicate serious heart disease. He emphasized the importance of a thorough and calm evaluation before initiating any treatment plan.
Al-Nimr expressed concern that some hospitals might potentially be too fast to intervene, performing procedures like arterial catheterization - even inserting catheters into coronary arteries – despite a lack of clear evidence requiring such action. He noted that these interventions are sometimes performed without the presence of key clinical indicators of heart problems, such as recurring chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, or elevated heart enzymes suggesting muscle damage or a blockage.
Instead of immediate invasive procedures, Al-Nimr advocates for managing elevated blood pressure through medication and regular monitoring. He stressed that catheterization should only be considered when supported by strong evidence of underlying heart disease, such as results from stress tests indicating a high-risk situation.
He highlighted the potential dangers of unnecessary catheterization, including risks of bleeding, clot formation, and complications from anesthesia. While acknowledging that catheterization is a valuable diagnostic and treatment tool when appropriately used, he warned that overuse can transform it into a dangerous practise.Al-Nimr urged doctors to conduct thorough patient evaluations, considering medical history, examination findings, and existing risk factors, before making decisions about intervention. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach – avoiding both undue caution that delays necessary treatment and unnecessary intervention that exposes patients to avoidable risks.
Raising patient awareness is also crucial, he stated. Individuals and their families should understand that a temporary increase in blood pressure doesn’t automatically signify a heart attack,and frequently enough can be managed with medication and monitoring.
Ultimately, Al-Nimr concluded, accurate diagnosis and careful evaluation are paramount to protecting patients from unnecessary complications, and remain more vital than rushing to surgical intervention. He believes that adhering to rigorous medical standards builds patient trust and strengthens the integrity of the healthcare system.