Review of antihypertensive agents for the dental clinician

Hypertension remains a major health problem in modern society. Untreated or undertreated hypertension is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality owing [table: see text] to chronic complications such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and renal disease. Comorbidities for cardiovascular disease include diabetes, renal insufficiency and a family history of premature cardiovascular events. Additive risk factors include age, elevated serum lipids, smoking and obesity. Dental clinicians are often in the unique position of having greater numbers of patient contacts than primary physicians and, as such, should maintain constant vigilance for detection and referral of undiagnosed hypertension. It is imperative that clinicians gain familiarity with the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of hypertension to provide safe and effective dental treatment for this vast segment of the population. Dentists should also be familiar with early signs and symptoms of hypertension-associated cardiovascular complications and be prepared to make prompt medical referral. Familiarity with the new diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for hypertension on the part of dental practitioners may serve to make achievement of the goals of early recognition, treatment and improved control of hypertension more feasible.