Question:

Which of the following anaesthetic drugs is contraindicated in a patient with hypertension who is being posted for cholecystectomy?

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Which induction agent raises BP and heart rate via sympathetic stimulation?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Ketamine
  • Propofol
  • Etomidate
  • Midazolam
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the haemodynamic profile required: in a hypertensive patient we must avoid an agent that further raises blood pressure and heart rate.
Step 2: Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and inhibits noradrenaline re-uptake. This produces a rise in heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and myocardial oxygen demand.
Step 3: These sympathomimetic effects make ketamine relatively contraindicated in uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension, as well as in ischaemic heart disease and raised intracranial pressure.
Step 4: Comparing the alternatives: Propofol tends to lower blood pressure; Etomidate is notably cardiostable; Midazolam causes only mild cardiovascular depression. All three are far safer than ketamine in a hypertensive patient.
Conclusion: Ketamine is the contraindicated agent (option 1), matching the printed key.
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