Dentists and High Blood Pressure

[farquhar]

I had a New Patient Exam with a Dentist yesterday; I indicated on the New Patient forms that I have a personal history of elevated blood pressure and a family history of heart disease.

The Hygienist put the cuff on my arm and took a reading 3 times; and based on that the Dentist decided they did not want to do any cleaning.

Went to my Family Doctor today; the blood pressure reading is still high but better than it was yesterday at the Dentist. Family Doctor wants to do lab tests before making a determination on medication.

Informed the Dental Office of this and essentially was told (in a polite way) "until your BP is lower, please don't call us."

I paid $150 (discounted) for the X-rays and the Dental Exam. Would any Dentist I see take the same position? Or are there some Dentists out there who can effectively mitigate the risks from treating high BP patients?

 

[ramblin]

I had a New Patient Exam with a Dentist yesterday; I indicated on the New Patient forms that I have a personal history of elevated blood pressure and a family history of heart disease.

The Hygienist put the cuff on my arm and took a reading 3 times; and based on that the Dentist decided they did not want to do any cleaning.

Went to my Family Doctor today; the blood pressure reading is still high but better than it was yesterday at the Dentist. Family Doctor wants to do lab tests before making a determination on medication.

Informed the Dental Office of this and essentially was told (in a polite way) "until your BP is lower, please don't call us."

I paid $150 (discounted) for the X-rays and the Dental Exam. Would any Dentist I see take the same position? Or are there some Dentists out there who can effectively mitigate the risks from treating high BP patients?

I've had a dentist (not my regular one as he was off after a car accident) ask about my Type 1 Diabetes and my blood sugar control prior to a visit before starting a visit. They protecting themselves from any complications you might have.

Best thing for you to do is get the tests done at the doctors and get on some BP meds like Perindoril, or Amoldipine (I take both). Though, I'm surprised your doctor didn't prescribe a low dose of one BP meds right away. Some doctors like tests, some doctors like to act quickly... With blood pressure your doctor should have been able to make a med decision in the office immediately, or sent you off to get a blood pressure machine at the pharmacy and told you to test 2 or 3 times a day and bring the readings back in 3 weeks.

 

[bazokajoe]

My dentist office used to do this at every visit, even for cleaning.
Mine was a little high. They seemed hesitant to proceed but did any way.
They haven't done a BP test for the last couple years.

 

[corrie fan]

That's how I found out about my high blood pressure. The hygienist took my BP and said, "those are some big numbers!" She went ahead with the cleaning and told me to see my doc. My doc put me on a low dose of Perindo/Amlodip. '

 

[farquhar]

Some doctors like tests, some doctors like to act quickly...

It depends. If you come in complaining about anxiety or depression, my Family Doctor will write a prescription on the spot and make a referral to a Psychiatrist. During the pandemic I had thought I may have had Pink Eye; he did a telephone consult and sent the script straight to my Pharmacy.

In most other cases, my Family Doctor doesn't like to throw people on meds immediately. My Mother has arthritis in her right knee; she wants Cortisone but my Family Doctor feels it's too mild to necessitate that.

I had elevated BP six years ago and he didn't feel I needed meds then.

 

[farquhar]

Usually I have read that if your BP is higher than 180/109, they would refuse to perform procedures, as during numbing using a local anaesthetic, it could further increase blood pressure and put your at risk. What was your reading at the office? I take BP pills and my BP is in control and I have never been refused before.

150/100 at the Dental Office

137/97 at the Doctors Office earlier today

 

[Darts]

Also, tell your dentist if you are on a blood thinner.

 

[farquhar]

Yeah that is quite high man. You need to get it under 130, and 90.

Like I said in the first post, heart disease runs in my father's family and he had Atherosclerosis. High BP is a risk factor. I'm in my 40's now and I know this is something I need to be mindful of.

I had intended to go see the Family Doctor in the Spring about this; I didn't think I was this bad. At the end of the day, the Dentist refusing my business is probably a blessing.

 

[Spunky1]

I have never had my blood pressure taken at the dentists. Only a prostate exam.

 

[jeff2]

I had a New Patient Exam with a Dentist yesterday; I indicated on the New Patient forms that I have a personal history of elevated blood pressure and a family history of heart disease.

The Hygienist put the cuff on my arm and took a reading 3 times; and based on that the Dentist decided they did not want to do any cleaning.

Went to my Family Doctor today; the blood pressure reading is still high but better than it was yesterday at the Dentist. Family Doctor wants to do lab tests before making a determination on medication.

Informed the Dental Office of this and essentially was told (in a polite way) "until your BP is lower, please don't call us."

I paid $150 (discounted) for the X-rays and the Dental Exam. Would any Dentist I see take the same position? Or are there some Dentists out there who can effectively mitigate the risks from treating high BP patients?

I had this years ago due to a heart murmur. The dentist asked me to get a note from the doctor saying I am ok. for dental services. So I did that.
I think they are worried about plaque going down towards the heart through the gums.

 

[farquhar]

I had this years ago due to a heart murmur. The dentist asked me to get a note from the doctor saying I am ok. for dental services. So I did that.
I think they are worried about plaque going down towards the heart through the gums.

I seem to recall my father had to pre-medicate before going to the Dentist for a similar reason; unfortunately, I cannot ask him for insight as he passed in 2006 at the age of 56. The cause of death wasn't directly due to cardiovascular issues; however those issues were noted on the pathologist report.

 

[Insidious Von]

If you are a diabetic, the medication for high BP is slightly different. You'll get Perindopril but not Amoldipine. Instead you'll get Zyloprim which keeps your blood's PH balanced and buffers your kidneys. If your BP is over 150 systolic you'll be prescribed all three. My latest reading was 144/89.

 

[princekwekua]

One of the most effective high blood pressure medications is metoprolol. It lowers heart rate and opens up blood vessels. It treats chest pain and angina as well.

 

[shack]

I had a New Patient Exam with a Dentist yesterday; I indicated on the New Patient forms that I have a personal history of elevated blood pressure and a family history of heart disease.

The Hygienist put the cuff on my arm and took a reading 3 times; and based on that the Dentist decided they did not want to do any cleaning.

Went to my Family Doctor today; the blood pressure reading is still high but better than it was yesterday at the Dentist. Family Doctor wants to do lab tests before making a determination on medication.

Informed the Dental Office of this and essentially was told (in a polite way) "until your BP is lower, please don't call us."

I believe it is common for people to have somewhat elevated BP readings at doctor and especially dentist visits. There is always a certain level of anxiety, even if we don't think so. We release adrenaline. Now, I'm not saying that was "the" cause, but it might have been a partial factor. Possibly bumped it up a few points.

 

[xmontrealer]

I believe it is common for people to have somewhat elevated BP readings at doctor and especially dentist visits. There is always a certain level of anxiety, even if we don't think so. We release adrenaline. Now, I'm not saying that was "the" cause, but it might have been a partial factor. Possibly bumped it up a few points.

The common term for that is "white coat hypertension", where the patient gets nervous about how high his BP reading is going to be when taken by a nurse or doctor, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I take prescription Olmesartan, as without it my BP used to be 135/95 or more, especially if I was nervous before the reading. My doctor advised me to lose some weight, but he also said, "just in case you don't I'm going to put you on a BP medication right now, and we'll check it again in a couple of months". Needless to say I didn't lose the weight, but on the Olmesartan I'm usually 110/70.

My dentist know what medications I take, and has never taken my BP before any procedure. Possibly because he knows I'm on BP medication.

I now have my blood pressure taken at least once every second month, and am so used to it being consistently ok that I no longer get nervous before they take it. I even predict what it's going to be, and the nurse or doctor is usually surprised how close I am with my guess...

 

[xmontrealer]

Maybe take a 100 mg Viagra or 20 mg Cialis before going to the dentist. They were originally meant to be BP pills. If your hygienist or dentist is a hot female it may be a bit embarrassing tho...

 

[Ceiling Cat]

If your blood pressure is excessively high, you can die from a stroke when you cum.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Maybe take a 100 mg Viagra or 20 mg Cialis before going to the dentist. They were originally meant to be BP pills. If your hygienist or dentist is a hot female it may be a bit embarrassing tho...

 

[Darts]

If your hygienist or dentist is a hot female it may be a bit embarrassing tho...

One time my dentist had this busty assistant and she kept pressing her breasts against the back of my head/neck.

 

[shack]

The common term for that is "white coat hypertension", where the patient gets nervous about how high his BP reading is going to be when taken by a nurse or doctor, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I take prescription Olmesartan, as without it my BP used to be 135/95 or more, especially if I was nervous before the reading. My doctor advised me to lose some weight, but he also said, "just in case you don't I'm going to put you on a BP medication right now, and we'll check it again in a couple of months". Needless to say I didn't lose the weight, but on the Olmesartan I'm usually 110/70.

My dentist know what medications I take, and has never taken my BP before any procedure. Possibly because he knows I'm on BP medication.

I now have my blood pressure taken at least once every second month, and am so used to it being consistently ok that I no longer get nervous before they take it. I even predict what it's going to be, and the nurse or doctor is usually surprised how close I am with my guess...

Those Omron BP monitors can be had for about $65 for home use.

I don't know about OP, but so many people are more anxious about dental appointments in particular, even cleanings.