Patients With Cardiac Disease: Considerations For The Dental Practitioner

Abstract

Concern about local anesthetics and dental treatment stress are still prevalent in today's medical and dental communities. The high prevalence of cardiac disease in the population, particularly ischaemic heart disease and hypertension, make them the most common medical problem s encountered in dental practice. Additionally, the inereasing survival of children with congenital heart disease makes them a significant proportion of those attending for dental treatment. The dentist should be aware that certain antihypertansive medications can adversely interact with or potentiate the effects of medications and anesthetics used in the dental otfice. Similarly, the dentist to be alert to the uncontrolled hypertensive patients who are at risk of cardiovascular complications.