Should we screen for hypertension in general dental practice?

Hypertension is reported by the World Health Organisation as one of the most important causes of premature morbidity and mortality, although it is often asymptomatic. Approximately 40% of the UK population are thought to be affected, however, only one third of these are currently detected. Dental practice offers an ideal opportunity to screen for hypertension, due to the large cohort of the general population who regularly attend. A pilot study was carried out to screen for hypertension and associated risk factors in 114 consecutive patients who attended a city general dental practice. Results revealed that 39% (44) of the population screened had a high blood pressure reading but only 18% (8) of these were previously diagnosed as hypertensive, and 16% (7) had systolic readings greater than 160 mmHg. Of those currently receiving treatment for hypertension, the blood pressure was still elevated in 63% (5). This suggests that screening for hypertension in general dental practice may be of benefit to the population at large.