--- title: The Link Between Suctioning and Blood Pressure description: Here’s what you need to know about suctioning and blood pressure. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/The%20Link%20Between%20Suctioning%20and%20Blood%20Pressure.jpg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [The Link Between Suctioning and Blood Pressure](https://blog.sscor.com/the-link-between-suctioning-and-blood-pressure) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Oct 14, 2022 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/the-link-between-suctioning-and-blood-pressure#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/the-link-between-suctioning-and-blood-pressure#) 0 ![The Link Between Suctioning and Blood Pressure](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Link%20Between%20Suctioning%20and%20Blood%20Pressure.jpg?width=724&name=The%20Link%20Between%20Suctioning%20and%20Blood%20Pressure.jpg) Suctioning a patient can maintain a patent airway, remove life-threatening airway obstructions, and prevent aspiration in vomiting or bleeding patients. But airway suctioning is not without risks, including changes in blood pressure. First responders must understand the link between suctioning and blood pressure to prevent both hypotensive and hypertensive states.    ### **How Suctioning Affects Blood Pressure** Suctioning can trigger both low and high blood pressure. A study analyzed 79 [mechanically ventilated patients](http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/58/10/1588) and found that suction complications were common, affecting 47 patients–59.5%. Of those 47 patients, 14 experienced hypertension, and seven experienced hypotension.   The proper suctioning technique can lower, but not eliminate, the risk of complications. Hypoxia is a common trigger, so preoxygenating the patient is critical. The release of endogenous catecholamines due to the stress of suctioning, as well as sudden changes in intrathoracic pressure, may also be contributing factors. Implement the American Association for Respiratory Care Guidelines to greatly [reduce the rate](https://www.aarc.org/resources/clinical-resources/clinical-practice-guidelines/) of suction-related adverse reactions, including changes in blood pressure.   [![Guide: Portable Emergency Suction: A Critial Tool In Avoiding Aspiration Pneumonia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b)   ### **Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Blood Pressure** Vagus nerve stimulation may also affect blood pressure. When suctioning stimulates the vagus nerve, patients may experience bradycardia, hypoxia, and hypotension. In patients already in a hypotensive state, the risk increases. This vasovagal reaction [can trigger fainting](https://blog.sscor.com/what-are-the-main-complications-of-tracheal-suctioning), cardiac arrhythmias, and other complications.   ### **Other Risks of Suctioning** Blood pressure changes can interact with other side effects of suctioning, so first responders must be mindful of all potential side effects. In addition to blood pressure swings, other common [side effects include](https://blog.sscor.com/what-are-the-most-common-complications-of-suctioning):   - Hypoxia: This can happen when suctioning does not fully disrupt a hypoxic state or when a provider suctions the patient for too long or does not preoxygenate the patient. - Airway trauma: This often occurs in patients with difficult airways, especially if the provider cannot fully visualize the airway. Airway trauma can trigger other complications, such as an airway obstructed by blood. - Bradycardia: This is usually due to vagus nerve stimulation, but may also happen as a result of hypoxia. - Infection: Many indications for suctioning elevate a patient’s risk of infection. For example, aspiration exposes a patient to airway contaminants that can cause dangerous infections even after the immediate respiratory crisis is resolved. Suctioning itself may increase the risk of infection by injuring the airway, allowing dangerous pathogens to enter.  These risks are [not a reason to delay or avoid](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-when-and-when-not-to-use-suction) suctioning, especially if a patient suffers a life-threatening airway obstruction. Instead, first responders must continuously monitor blood pressure and other vital signs and adjust treatment based on patient response.   [![New: Get strategies to minimize supply disruption during a disaster. Download the FREE e-book.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/203f7156-d8dd-419d-bf6c-7690ef2032cd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/203f7156-d8dd-419d-bf6c-7690ef2032cd)   The right equipment is key to promptly and effectively responding to patients in respiratory crises. First responders should ensure their kits are fully stocked with suction catheters in a range of sizes and that suction equipment is functioning and ready to be used. For help choosing the right portable suction machine for your agency, download our free e-book, [*The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device*](https://info.sscor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-purchasing-a-portable-emergency-suction-device).   Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in July 2019. It has been re-published with additional up-to-date content.   Topics: [Medical Suction](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/medical-suction) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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