LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AFTER SURGERY: WHAT CAN IT MEAN?

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AFTER SURGERY: WHAT CAN IT MEAN?

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AFTER SURGERY: WHAT CAN IT MEAN? 150 150 Dan Frith

We review a lot of surgical malpractice cases and one of the items we look at closely is the intra-operative and post-operative blood pressure readings. Blood pressure is a measurement of the “pressure” being exerted on the walls of the blood vessels as the blood passes through the vessel. There is a “normal range” for blood pressures but individuals can routinely run slightly high or low pressure readings.

Low blood pressure can be a sign of internal bleeding…reduced pressure on vessel walls is often explained by a reduced volume of blood moving through the vessel. As an side note, doctor’s often try to artificially raise a patient’s blood pressure by administering fluids, like saline solution. So, if a patient is getting IV solutions and still has a low blood pressure the suspicion of internal bleeding should be high on the doctor’s list of potential problems.

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Dan Frith

Dan Frith has over 25 years of experience representing individuals and families in cases of medical malpractice throughout Virginia. He has been named "Best Medical Malpractice Attorney" by Roanoker Magazine and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. To speak with Dan, contact him by email at dfrith@frithlawfirm.com.

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