Effect of stress on arterial blood pressure In dental students

Abstract

Aims: To study the effect of stress and fear on blood pressure that are imposed on student beforeattending examination in particular final year examination at the College of Dentistry. Subjects andMethods: Arterial blood pressure (indirect method ) was measured for 99 dental student (21 + 0.6years) before 30 minutes of final examination on a particular subject and immediately afterexamination. Result: The data reflected a significant increase in systolic blood pressure before passingthe final examination, whereas there was no significant increase in the diastolic blood pressure in allstudents. Conclusions: Stress produces a significant elevation in blood pressure that can be controlledby systemic defense mechanisms naturally present.