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Article: Blood pressure guidelines and screening techniques.(Free Course)
- Article from:
- The Dental Assistant
- Article date:
- March 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 American Dental Assistants Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Introduction
Taking patients' blood pressure during dental examinations is critical to their overall health. High blood pressure is a proven risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. Many patients see a dentist more frequently than a physician, giving the dental team the responsibility to inform their patients of their blood pressure reading and how it can affect their overall health. Blood pressure should be taken at each annual dental examination and before procedures that cause apprehension, such as oral surgery. The patient should always be told what their blood pressure is, so they can keep track of differences ...