NYMC Faculty Publications
Screening for Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk in a Dental Setting
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1007/s00038-013-0530-x
Journal Title
International Journal of Public Health
First Page
485
Last Page
492
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2014
Keywords
Adult, Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Cholesterol, Coronary Disease, Dental Offices, Developing Countries, Diabetes Mellitus, Female, Glycated Hemoglobin, Humans, India, Male, Mass Screening, Middle Aged, Referral and Consultation, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart disease, among the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide, are increasing among younger adults who are unaware of their risk status. Previous studies in the United States have shown the efficacy of screening for risk of heart disease and diabetes in a dental setting. A screening strategy was applied to facilitate early identification of individuals at increased disease risk in a single Indian dental institute.
METHODS: 158 patients >30 years old, with no reported heart disease or diabetes, and unaware of any increased disease risk were enrolled. Blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein levels and body mass index were collected. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was calculated as an indication of global risk of developing a coronary heart disease (CHD) event within 10 years; hemoglobin A1c level was used to determine DM risk.
RESULTS: Eleven percent had increased risk of heart disease (FRS >10%) and 32% had abnormal A1c levels (>5.7%). At least one risk factor was present in 61 and 39% presented with two or more risk factors. Hypertension and obesity were the most common risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of a dental setting in a developing country could serve as a resource for early identification of patients at increased risk of developing CHD and DM, yet unaware of their increased risk. The dental setting can also serve as an entry point into the medical care system by identifying asymptomatic patients at increased risk of disease and referring these individuals to a primary care provider.
Recommended Citation
Kalladka, M., Greenberg, B., Padmashree, S. M., Venkateshaiah, N. T., Yalsangi, S., Raghunandan, B. N., & Glick, M. (2014). Screening for Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk in a Dental Setting. International Journal of Public Health, 59 (3), 485-492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0530-x
