High Blood Pressure–The Silent Killer

September 16, 2016

High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because most people who develop it don’t know they have it.  High blood pressure (hypertension) sometimes leads to heart attacks and strokes.  Two patients who have been in our practice have lost sight in one eye due to high blood pressure.  Hypertension ( high blood pressure) can cause the kidneys to shut down.

The standard of care is to take each adult’s blood pressure.  The CRDTS clinical exam, currently required to obtain a Georgia dental license, requires candidates to take the blood pressure of the patient before treatment in one segment of the clinical exam.

Blood pressure readings consist of a top number (systolic) and a bottom number (diastolic).  A systolic measure of 180 or above or a diastolic of 100 or more are generally indicative that dental procedures should be deferred until the patient’s blood pressure is better controlled.  Dr. Daniel’s policy has always been not to treat a patient with uncontrolled hypertension in the dental office.

Dr. Daniel was recognized in the March 31, 2008 issue of USA Today for changing one life by his requirement for taking blood the blood pressure on every patient.  Read the article here: USA Today – He grits his teeth gets healthy