Blood pressure measurements during dental checkups representative of 26-hour registration.
The effect of dental checkups on blood pressure was investigated. In 27 normotensive patients (13 men and 14 women) aged 22 to 64 years (mean 39.75 +/- 10.5 years), a 26-hour continuous, noninvasive blood pressure registration was carried out. Of each patient at least 175 blood pressure measurements were registered during these 26 hours, giving a total amount of 4725 blood pressure measurements. A dental checkup appointment with the family dentist was included. Blood pressure values displayed the well-known diurnal variation, but the visit to the dental surgeon was not accompanied by a rise in blood pressure. There was no significant difference between the blood pressure values during the 26-hour period and those during the checkup period. During a rest period after the dental checkup, neither the systolic nor the diastolic pressure fell to any degree in relation to the 26-hour values or the visit to the surgeon.
Gortzak
R A
RA
Department of General Pathology and Internal Medicine, Academic Center Dentistry, Amsterdam.
Abraham-Inpijn
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D003945:Diagnosis, Oral; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires