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Hypertension screening among dental patients.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|November 1, 1976
Summary
Dental screenings can detect hypertension. Approximately 6% of dental patients were referred to physicians for high blood pressure, highlighting dentists
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant public health concern.
- Early detection of hypertension is crucial for preventing cardiovascular complications.
- Dental settings offer a unique opportunity for opportunistic health screenings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among dental patients.
- To assess the feasibility of blood pressure screening in a dental school setting.
- To evaluate the proportion of patients referred for hypertension management.
Main Methods:
- Blood pressure was measured in 2,222 dental patients over 14 months.
- Patients with elevated diastolic blood pressure (≥95 mm Hg) on three separate occasions were referred.
- Referrals were confirmed by physician diagnosis of hypertension.
Main Results:
- 131 patients (approx. 5.9%) were initially referred as suspected hypertensives.
- 113 patients (approx. 5.1%) were diagnosed with hypertension by their physicians.
- 54% of diagnosed hypertensives had a family history of the condition.
- 6% of diagnosed hypertensives visited their dentist annually but not their physician.
Conclusions:
- Dental patient screenings can identify a significant number of individuals with undiagnosed hypertension.
- Opportunistic hypertension screening in dental practices can contribute to early detection and management.
- A notable percentage of hypertensive patients utilize dental services without concurrent physician care.