What is intraoperative hypotension?

Intraoperative hypotension refers specifically to a drop in blood pressure that occurs during surgical procedures. During surgery, it is critical to maintain adequate blood pressure to ensure proper organ perfusion and oxygen delivery. Hypotension can lead to insufficient blood flow to vital organs, increasing the risk of complications such as myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury, and impaired wound healing.

Monitoring blood pressure is essential during anesthesia, as various factors—such as anesthesia type, surgical manipulation, blood loss, and fluid status—can impact hemodynamics. Identifying and managing hypotension promptly is crucial to avoid further complications.

The other options presented do not accurately describe intraoperative hypotension. A rise in blood pressure indicates hypertension, stable blood pressure suggests hemodynamic stability, and variations in heart rate relate to cardiac rhythm but do not specifically address blood pressure changes.