Anxiety and heart rate correlation prior to dental checkup

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between dental anxiety and heart rate prior to a dental checkup. Anxiety was determined in 44 patients using the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Heart rate was measured 24 hours before, and immediately prior to, a dental checkup. The mean heart rate was higher immediately prior to the checkup than it had been 24 hours previously. The DAS score showed no relation to the heart rate immediately prior to the dental checkup, but showed a significant relation to the heart rate of women 24 hours before the checkup. In men, this relation did not reach significance. It is concluded that anticipation of a dental checkup increases heart rate. The average increase in heart rate is higher in patients with a low DAS score.