The Effectiveness of a Preoperative Blood Pressure Screening Program to Identify Undiagnosed Hypertension in Ambulatory Surgery Patients

The Effectiveness of a Preoperative Blood Pressure Screening Program to Identify Undiagnosed Hypertension in Ambulatory Surgery Patients

Elevated blood pressure is the largest contributing risk factor to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, hypertension affects nearly 30% of the adult population. Many patients remain undiagnosed, despite the consensus that screening and timely diagnosis is paramount. In this study, 108 ambulatory surgery patients with elevated blood pressure (160/90) that are not yet formally diagnosed with hypertension will be enrolled and alerted of their high blood pressure by a co-investigator MD. They will request permission to follow-up with the patient and the patient's primary care provider 6 months after the initial phone call to check in on the status of their diagnosis and any action taken (lifestyle changes, medication) to alleviate their high blood pressure. Patients will receive a follow-up letter/email at 6 and 3 months to remind them of their potential diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing elective ambulatory surgery
• Patients with a pre-operative elevated BP defined as greater than 160/90
• Patients above the age of 18
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of HTN
• Patients who are taking a hypertensive medication
• Patients who had a pre-operative surgical screening assessment