How do intravenous anesthetics typically affect blood pressure?

Intravenous anesthetics are known to commonly induce hypotension during induction and maintenance of anesthesia. This effect results from various mechanisms, including myocardial depression, reduced vascular resistance, and central nervous system depression, which can lead to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output.

As these agents often relax vascular smooth muscle, the dilation of blood vessels can contribute to a drop in blood pressure. Certain intravenous anesthetics have variable hemodynamic profiles; however, many lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure, especially in patients who are already compromised or in those receiving other medications or fluids that might affect hemodynamics.

This understanding is critical in anesthesia management as it necessitates continuous monitoring of blood pressure during the administration of these agents and may require preemptive or concurrent fluid support or vasopressor use in vulnerable patients.