Prevalence of elevated blood pressure in students attending a college oral health program

Physical evaluation of dental patients prior to treatment can reveal signs and symptoms of diagnosed and undiagnosed disease. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of elevated blood pressure readings in a group of college students attending an annual oral health program. The data were collected at the annual session on one day in three consecutive years. While the risk of hypertension increases with age, unless the blood pressure is recorded in all adult patients, a significant number of occult high blood pressure readings may go undetected. Since untreated hypertension can cause morbidity and mortality in some patients, the recording of the blood pressure for all adult patients is indicated. The results of this study revealed that 56 of 416 (13.4%) college students with recorded blood pressure values had elevated blood pressure readings within the ranges of mild to severe elevations. Male gender was associated with elevated readings (x2 = 18.57, p < 0.001). Self-reported high blood pressure was associated with age differences, current care by a physician, and medication use. Routine recording of blood pressure is essential for the comprehensive evaluation of adult dental patients, regardless of age. Inconsistent application of physical evaluation principles based on age and disease-related abnormalities may exclude younger individuals at risk for occult disease and associated morbidity. Screening for blood pressure elevation, even in younger adult groups not usually associated with hypertensive disease, can Identify individuals needing further medical evaluation.