Remimazolam provides better hemodynamic stability than propofol in hypertensive surgical patients: a randomized single-blinded trial

PURPOSE: Hypertensive surgical patients face heightened perioperative cardiovascular risk, and propofol often induces hypotension. This trial aimed to compare remimazolam and propofol for hemodynamic stability in hypertensive patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, and explore underlying cardiac and vascular mechanisms via continuous monitoring. METHODS: This randomized single-blind trial enrolled 122 adults with controlled hypertension undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery, assigned to remimazolam-based or propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia. Primary outcomes were intraoperative hypotension episodes (mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg or a > 20% decrease from baseline), norepinephrine bolus frequency and total dose. Hemodynamics were continuously tracked by Continuous Non-Invasive Arterial Pressure Monitor 500, with anesthesia depth maintained at a bispectral index of 40-60. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable. The remimazolam group had fewer hypotension episodes (remimazolam group vs. propofol group, median episodes [interquartile range, IQR], 2 [0-3] vs. 3 [1-5]; p = 0.003), fewer norepinephrine boluses (1 [0-3] vs. 3 [1-5]; p = 0.001), and lower total dose (8 µg [0-24] vs. 24 µg [8-40]; p < 0.001). Remimazolam showed non-significant trends toward smaller reductions in cardiac output (CO, - 8.10% vs. - 13.10%, p = 0.35) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR, - 10.83% vs. - 14.91%, p = 0.46). Extubation time and post-anesthesia care unit stay were similar. CONCLUSION: For hypertensive patients, remimazolam provides superior hemodynamic stability over propofol, evidenced by fewer hypotensive episodes, reduced norepinephrine requirements, and attenuated perturbations in CO and SVR, without delaying recovery. It represents a valuable anesthetic alternative for this high-risk cohort.