Oral Manifestations of Patients Taking Anti-Hypertensive Medications

Abstract

Background and Aim: High blood pressure is a common cardiovascular disease. Most cardiovascular medications have adverse oral side effects. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of oral manifestations associated with the intake of anti-hypertensive medications. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study examined 142 patients with a history of hypertension referred to Dr. Heshmat Hospital in Rasht who were taking one of the four drug categories of diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or beta-blockers. The patients' demographic information, medications, and oral symptoms such as mucosal burning, xerostomia, angioedema, and lichenoid reactions were recorded. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 24 using Fisher’s ex-act test and Chi-square test (P<0.05). Results: From 142 participants, 103 were males and 39 were females; 58.4% of the participants were 61 years or older. Concomitant use of beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers (especially metoprolol and losartan) had the highest frequency among patients. Xerostomia was the most common side effect; angioedema was not reported in any patient. The prevalence of xerostomia increased with age (P=0.044) but it was not correlated with gender (P=0.119). Lichenoid reactions and burning mouth were neither age-related nor gender-related (P>0.05 for all). Conclusion: Oral complications are inevitable in patients taking anti-hypertensive medications, and in most cases it is not possible to change or decrease the dosage of medications. Therefore, regular dental examinations and palliative treatment can play a role in improving the patients' quality of life.