The American Heart Association states that one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure. If that’s not startling enough, most people are completely oblivious of their condition, since high blood pressure tends to be asymptomatic until it becomes a serious problem. Infamously known as the “silent killer”, high blood pressure can cause irreversible damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, etc. It can be life-threatening, resulting in heart attack, stroke, and death.
The Pressure is On
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against vessel walls; it’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Two numbers play a role in blood pressure. The top number (systolic) is the heart beating, and the bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure of the heart resting in between beats.
A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. Anything above this threshold is classified as “elevated” or in varying stages of hypertension. Keep in mind that blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day depending on things such as physical movement, sleep, stress, etc. The best way to determine your true blood pressure is to get a few readings and take the average.
Source: American Heart Association
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Family history
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Stress
Blood Pressure and Dentistry
It’s now routine to have your blood pressure taken at the beginning of a dental appointment. Might seem odd at first, but your oral health and overall health affect one another, so it only makes sense for dental professionals to check blood pressure.
Most people visit their dentist at least once or twice a year, sometimes even more often than their primary care doctor. Checking blood pressure at the dentist can avert a medical crisis and serve as an opportunity for educating patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Knowing a patient’s blood pressure will help the dentist administer the appropriate anesthetics and minimize negative effects of dental procedures.
Poor oral hygiene, particularly periodontal (gum) disease, is linked to an array of health problems including high blood pressure. Gum disease can worsen inflammation in other parts of the body like the arteries and blood vessels. According to a study published in the American Heart Association’s journal titled Hypertension, periodontal disease may also adversely impact the response to medications used to control hypertension.
White-Coat Hypertension Can Spell Trouble
It’s not uncommon to have slightly higher blood pressure while nervous, and some people become anxious during a doctor or dentist appointment, which causes “white-coat hypertension”. If a patient’s blood pressure seems a little higher than usual, multiple readings will be taken to determine if it’s anxiety-induced or a real health problem.
An occasional case of mild “white-coat hypertension” might be harmless, but research shows that consistent “white-coat hypertension” can negatively impact your health by causing sustained high blood pressure over time, which can lead to heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your blood pressure or oral health, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.