What does an elevated blood pressure reading indicate?

An elevated blood pressure reading is primarily indicative of hypertension, which is a medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure levels. Hypertension can have significant health implications, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. When blood pressure readings are higher than the normal range, it suggests that the heart is working harder than usual to pump blood through the arteries. This condition may result from various factors, including stress, poor diet, weight gain, and genetic predisposition.

Understanding hypertension is crucial in dental and overall health because it can affect dental treatment choices and outcomes, as well as general patient management. Monitoring blood pressure is an important part of assessing a patient's health status before providing dental care, ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken.