Tarek L. Al-Khateeb BDS., MDS., PhD. Mohammed A. Mahmoud BDS., MSc, PhD.
King Abdul-Aziz University , PO  Box  51372,   Jeddah  21543.   Saudi  Arabia

The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency and distribution of hypertension in an adult population of dental patients (>18 years). The study was conducted on 1320 patients (624 males and 696 females). The frequency of hypertension was determined through history taking, and by measuring the blood pressure values of every patient. Blood pressure values and hypertension frequencies were analyzed as related to the age and sex of the total population studied. The results showed a hypertension frequency of 26.4%. Males showed more frequent hypertension (30.8%) compared to females (22.4%). Of the recognized hypertensive patients, 59.2% were either unaware or uncontrolled     hypertensive     patients. Blood pressure     values and  frequency of hypertension increased with age. In older individuals (55 years or more), hypertension frequency markedly increased to 58.6% in males, and to 60.6% in females, The findings were compared to those reported in other populations, and the dental implications were discussed.