Elevated Blood Pressure Among Emergency Dental Patients: A Descriptive Study

Objectives: To examine and evaluate the characteristics of dental patients with elevated blood pressure in the Advanced Care Emergency Clinic at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

Methods: This study was conducted by accessing records of de-identified adult patients over the age of 18 visiting between June 2015 and June 2017. Patients records were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the characteristics of dental patients with elevated blood pressure in the Advanced Care Emergency Clinic at the ECU School of Dental Medicine. American Heart Association blood pressure guidelines were used to define hypertension. Patients presented to the clinic with elevated blood pressure if the Systolic blood pressure was above 120 mmHg or Diastolic blood pressure above 80 mmHg. Patient medical history is self-reported including comorbidity conditions and medications. Data from these patients were examined for trends across gender, age, and race.
Results: 5,353 records were reviewed. 1,925 patients, or 36%, visiting ECU SoDM Emergency Dental Clinic presented with elevated blood pressure. 1,100 patients, or 57%, reported no hypertensive medications. While 76% of hypertensive patients not taking medication are Stage 1, there were 46 patients, or 4%, with blood pressure measurements at crisis levels.
Conclusions: 36% of ECU SoDM emergency patients presented with elevated blood pressure. This is slightly higher than the national average at 33% of the population and the North Carolina average at 35%. The readings in this study were taken in an emergency dental clinic. Factors affecting elevated blood pressure include pain, white coat syndrome, and medications. Going forward, there needs to be more coordination between health professionals to raise awareness in patients, and develop early diagnosis and intervention to improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs.