study on the prevalence of hypertension in dental out-patient population

Objective: To study the blood pressure range in 1200 dental patients, at the PMNM Dental College and Hospital, Bagalkot. Material and Methods: A total of 1200 screened, 248 patients were studied for hypertension (HTN) status. Data collected using specially prepared proforma, with provision for recording of blood pressure. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of HTN by a physician or presentation of patient with systolic blood pressure reading greater than 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg. Results: Out of 1200 patients 248 patients met the inclusion criteria, 102 were previously diagnosed (57 males and 45 females) with HTN and 146 were undiagnosed previously (99 males and 47 females) but exhibited elevated blood pressure level Out of these 146 undiagnosed patients only 87 reported back after getting investigated and diagnosed as hypertensive by physician The prevalence of diagnosed HTN in the study population was 15.75%. When the 59 subject who exhibited elevated blood pressure were included, the prevalence of HTN was 20.6%. At the initial screening 8.5% of diagnosed patients and 12.2% of undiagnosed patients exhibited a high blood pressure level. Conclusion: As significant numbers of patients with HTN are visiting dental institutions, routine blood pressure measurement for all dental patients is required. Presence of high blood pressure justifies medical examination in dental patients, to prevent complications during dental treatment. Many subjects examined were unaware of their high blood pressure levels: caution is required prior to performing dental procedures.