Screening for hypertension in a primary care dental clinic

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to record blood pressure in patients during their visit to a dental clinic, with the aim of identifying those who have high blood pressure and are unaware of it, as well as those who are aware of their condition but do have their blood pressure under adequate control. Study design: We designed a cross-sectional study which included 154 patients who were seen for a dental checkup at the Primary Dental Care of the Gallician Health Service (SERGAS). All participants completed a standardized medical questionnaire after measuring their systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), which was conducted using the protocol established by the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight Against Hypertension (HTA). Results: In 45 patients (29%), the figures for blood pressure were recorded as SBP≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg, indicating that they may have hypertension. Only 12 of them had been previously diagnosed with hypertension, but did not have their blood pressure under adequate control. The remaining 33 had no history of hypertension and were referred to a family physician, but only 19 saw their doctor; 11 of these patients were given non-pharmacological treatment, 6 were prescribed drug treatment and no type of treatment was indicated for the other two patients. Conclusions: By screening for hypertension, especially among patients who are more than 40 years old, the dentist can play an important role in the early diagnosis.

The Prevalence of Hypertension in Endodontic Clinics: A Pilot Study

“…A study conducted in Nigeria reported hypertension in approximately 20% of dental patients; half of these cases were undiagnosed until they were examined at the dental clinic [3]. Similarly, in another study, approximately 29% of patients were reported to have hypertension when examined in a dental clinic; 73% of these patients were referred to a family physician because they were unaware of their medical condition [4]. Therefore, it seems that dentists may play a crucial role in diagnosing this silent killer disease.…”

Pré-hipertensão, hipertensão arterial e fatores associados em pacientes odontológicos: estudo transversal na cidade de Santa Maria-RS, Brasil

“…Esse procedimento pode contribuir no reconhecimento da doença e na consequente intervenção precoce, bem como no tratamento correto dos pacientes através de reforço e estímulo para adesão à terapia, seja esta medicamentosa ou não. Além disso, o monitoramento da pressão arterial deve ser realizado necessariamente naqueles pacientes que sabidamente possuem algum comprometimento de saúde 16,17,24,32 .…”

“…Recentemente, tem sido proposto o rastreamento (screening) para a hipertensão arterial durante as visitas odontológicas [14][15][16][17] . Uma grande parcela da população em geral frequenta regularmente um consultório odontológico, seja este público ou privado.…”

“…Uma grande parcela da população em geral frequenta regularmente um consultório odontológico, seja este público ou privado. Dessa forma, durante a prática odontológica, surge uma oportunidade interessante para a aferição da pressão arterial e o Cirurgião-Dentista pode exercer um papel importante no diagnóstico precoce da doença, bem como identificar aqueles pacientes que podem estar sujeitos a riscos decorrentes da hipertensão arterial 16,17 .…”

“…A literatura sugere o limite de até 180/110 mmHg de pressão arterial para a realização segura de procedimentos odontológicos eletivos, bem como enfatiza que o Cirurgião-Dentista deve conhecer as medicações que o paciente utiliza. Essas condutas visam a impedir ou minimizar complicações durante o atendimento, e permitem o adequado planejamento do tratamento odontológico 16,17 .…”