ALTERATIONS IN BLOOD-PRESSURE AND PULSE-RATE IN EXODONTIA PATIENTS

The measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate prior to, during and after exodontia was conducted on 60 healthy patients. The aims were to first, investigate the changes in blood pressure and pulse rate, and second, to observe the presence of any clinically significant change over time. Thirty patients attending an Oral Medicine Clinic were used as the control group to allow a comparison to be made between the effects of exodontia and non-invasive treatment. The results suggested that exodontia was the most stressful part of the procedure. Bradycardia during local analgesia was also noted. These changes in the cardiovascular parameters may represent a risk to patients with heart diseases especially those previously undiagnosed. Further, the results indicate the effect stress can have on the cardiovascular system and the importance of eliminating pain and minimizing patient anxiety.