Blood pressure guidelines and screening techniques.

Recording and monitoring blood pressure should be a lifetime practice. Studies have shown that people with normal blood pressure readings between the ages of 55 and 65 still have an 80 to 90 percent risk of developing hypertension by the age of 80. The information in this course teaches the dental health professional to be aware of the causes of hypertension and how to determine and assess identifiable causes. Understanding the terms systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure along with knowledge of the various blood pressure categories and the factors that influence blood pressure is important. This course provides you with the appropriate method of taking a blood pressure and how to determine the recommendations for follow-up and lifestyle modifications for patient treatment.