Dental office screening for hypertension

Myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents kill more people than all other causes of death combined, and hypertension is the single most important risk factor involved. From studies it is known that about 7% to 10% of adult dental patients will suffer previously unsuspected hypertension and which can be detected as a result of blood pressure screening programmes. Dentists can provide this valuable service in regard to total health care of their patients. Also by having base-line records of blood pressure for their patients and by maintaining competence in blood pressure measurement, a dentist is much better prepared to accurately assess and manage cases of collapse which may occur at any time.