Assessing BMI and Risk for Hypertension in Pediatric Dental Patients

Authors

Hannah Lee, A.T. Still University
A. E. Spolarich, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral HealthFollow
Hannah Lee, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral HealthFollow
Sara Karlin, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral HealthFollow
Joseph Creech, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral HealthFollow
Stefanie Sotello, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral HealthFollow

Document Type

Poster

Abstract

Objective: Hypertension (HTN) is an important modifiable risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, yet blood pressure (BP) is infrequently recorded in the dental office. Rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and HTN are increasing in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess risk for HTN in a population of pediatric dental patients.

Experimental Methods: Pediatric patients of record, ages 3 to 12 years, were recruited for the study. Consented subjects had their height, weight, BMI, and pre-/post-treatment BP recorded. Other variables collected included demographics, pertinent medical history, # of days of participation in and level of physical activity, and caffeine intake. American Heart Association (AHA) BP classification was determined and verified by a pediatrician. ATSU Mesa IRB #2023-163.

Results: 101 subjects (62 male, 39 female), with a mean age of 8.73 years (range 3 to 12) participated. BP changed before/after dental treatment. Subjects with pre-/post-treatment HTN were classified as elevated (n=7 [6.9%], n=9 [8.9%]), Stage 1 (n=13 [12.9%], n=22 [21.8%]), and Stage 2 (n=2 [2%], n=4 [4%]) respectively. BMI calculations revealed that 12 subjects were overweight (11.9%), 15 were obese (14.9%), and 8 (7.9%) were severely obese. Pre- and post-treatment AHA BP classifications were significantly correlated: x2(5, N=101) = 7.2, p < 0.001. A Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a moderate and positive relationship between BMI and pre-treatment BP (rs = .230, n = 101, p = 0.021). There was no statistical relationship between race/ethnicity, diabetes, caffeine intake, or exercise level and pre-/post-treatment BP. However, subjects with Stage 1 and Stage 2 HTN drank more caffeine and exercised less than those with healthy or elevated BP.

Conclusions: Children present with risk factors for HTN. Assessing BP pre-/post-treatment may be beneficial. Dental professionals are well-positioned to assess risk for and the presence of HTN in pediatric patients.

Publication Date

Winter 2025

Comments

Poster presented at ASDOH Research Week - March 2025

Recommended Citation

Lee, Hannah; Spolarich, A. E.; Lee, Hannah; Karlin, Sara; Creech, Joseph; and Sotello, Stefanie, "Assessing BMI and Risk for Hypertension in Pediatric Dental Patients" (2025). ASDOH Student Publications. 2.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/asdoh-student/2