Essential human disease for dentists Flashcards
Which ASA grades (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) can be treated in general practice and which should be treated by specialists?
ASA 1 and 2 in general practice
ASA 3 and 4 by specialists
What does ASA I stand for?
ASA 1 = healthy
What does ASA II stand for?
ASA 2 = presence of systemic disease with no effect on normal function, e.g. well controlled diabetes
What does ASA III stand for?
ASA 3 = Presence of systemic disease which limits function, e.g. poorly controlled epilepsy
What does ASA IV stand for?
ASA 4 = Presence of systemic disease which is a constant threat to life, e.g. severe coronary artery disease
What does ASA V stand for?
ASA 5 = Patient not expected to survive more than 24 hours
Is a pt who has recently had an operation under GA without complication a risky pt for dental tx under LA?
No
They are unlikely to present a serious risk for dental tx under LA
Why should all pts be asked about their ‘risk habits’ (smoking and alcohol)?
These pose a significant general health risk and increase the risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease and delay wound healing post-surgery.
What questions can be useful when assessing for cardiovascular diseases?
- Are you generally fit and well?
- Do you have any heart problems?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- What medications are you taking?
- How far can you walk unaided without stopping?
- Can you climb stairs?
- What prevents you from going further?
What may breathless at rest (RR >12/min) indicate?
Heart failure or respiratory problems
What may an abnormal appearance indicate?
Any underlying syndrome associated with congentital heart defects (e.g. Down’s syndrome)
What may an apprehensive, sweaty, pained expression indicated?
Angina or myocardial infarction
What may a) finger clubbing b) pale nail bed c) splinter haemorrhages indicate?
1) finger clubbing = congenital heart defect
2) pale nail bed = anaemia
3) splinter haemorrhage = bacterial endocarditis
What may a) cyanosis b) gingival hypertrophy c) xanthelasma (yellow plaques around eyes) indicate?
a) cyanosis = poor oxygenation of the blood and may have a cardiac cause
b) gingival hypertrophy = nifedipine (Ca Ch blocker) antihypertensive medication, phenytoin anti-epileptic, cyclosporine
c) xanthelasma = elevated cholesterol
What may an irregular pulse indicate?
A cardiac rhythm abnormality, most commonly atrial fibrillation
What is the normal resting heart rate?
60-100 beats per min
> 100 = tachycardia
<60 = bradycardia
What is hypertension?
A persistently raised blood pressure (BP) >140/90 mmHg.
- Both diastolic and systolic components are important
In 90% of cases no cause can be found and its called primary hypertension.
What may dental procedures cause in hypertension pts?
Further rise in blood pressure and lead to acute complications
What is the epidemiology of hypertension?
Affects 5-10% of general pop and is most common cause of preventable disease in the developed world.
Normally detected btw 20 and 50 years.
What is the aetiology of hypertension?
Primary hypertension = no specific cause, likely origin is multifactorial
Secondary hypertension = cause known and include renal disease, pregnancy, coarctation of the aorta, endocrine tumours and drugs (e.g. steroids)
What organs are commonly affected by hypertensions?
Brain (stroke)
Eyes (retinal haemorrhages)
Aorta (aneurysm)
Heart (IHD, MI, HF, left ventricular hypertrophy)
Kidney (renal failure)
Legs (peripheral vascular disease)
What are clinical features of hypertension?
Primary hypertension is asymptomatic until complications develop in target organs.
In severe hypertension (>180/110mmHg) there may be dizziness, headache and epistaxis.
Any untreated hypertensive pt is at risk of developing left ventricular failure, MI, stroke or renal failure.
What is the most common cause of death among hypertensive patients and what is hypertension the most important predisposing factor for?
Most common cause of death = coronary artery disease
Hypertension is most important predisposing factors for = stroke
What is the tx for hypertension?
Secondary hypertension - tx of the cause if possible.
Primary hypertension - cannot be cured but BP can be reduced to acceptable level.
Lifestyle advise - weight loss reduction, increased exercise, decreased alcohol consumption, stopping smoking and a low salt diet.
Medical management - diuretics, B-blockers, Ca antagnosist, ACE inhibitor, Angiotensin II receptor blocker, Adrenergic inhibitors