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A new approach to quantify cardiovascular response in dentistry
G Borea1, L Montebugnoli, C Borghi
1Dental Clinic, University of Bologna, Italy.
Summary
Working in incorrect dental positions significantly increases blood pressure, similar to mental stress. This finding suggests poor working conditions contribute to hypertension in dentists, highlighting the need for ergonomic evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Dental Ergonomics
Background:
- Essential hypertension is prevalent among dentists.
- Mental stress is a suspected cause, but working conditions remain unevaluated.
- Systemic hypertension in dentists may be linked to occupational factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pressor and circulatory responses to correct and incorrect working positions in dental practice.
- To compare these responses with the effects of mental stress.
- To understand the cardiovascular impact of dental working conditions.
Main Methods:
- 10 normotensive dentists participated in the study.
- Blood pressure and forearm circulation were measured during correct and incorrect working positions.
- Responses were compared to those elicited by mental stress.
Main Results:
- Mental stress increased blood pressure, but correct dental work did not.
- Incorrect working positions significantly raised blood pressure, comparable to mental stress.
- Incorrect positions caused temporary forearm vasodilatation, unlike mental stress.
Conclusions:
- Dental practice in incorrect positions can elevate blood pressure and cause vascular abnormalities.
- These findings suggest a contribution to the high incidence of hypertension in dentists.
- Assessing hemodynamic profiles during work aids understanding of cardiovascular risks in dentistry.