AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 Abstract · Nov 2, 2026
Hypertension Prevalence Among Young Adults Seen in an Academic Dental Clinic
By Heffron S, Ortiz R, Kim C et al.
Background: Sub-optimal cardiovascular (CV) health among young adults (YAs; 18-39 years) in the United States is common, but largely unappreciated, with hypertension (HTN) the most prevalent risk factor. Delayed recognition of CV risk leads to missed opportunities to modify behavior and initiate early treatment - resulting in negative CV outcomes, even when treated later in life. Thus, opportunistic BP screening of adults beginning at 18 years is recommended. A key contributor to unrecognized risk and progressive declines in CV health among YA is infrequent medical contact by this group. Dental clinics, frequented by nearly two-thirds of YAs annually, present an attractive location for CV risk screening. The AHA’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts campaign advocates for BP screening at regular dental appointments. Methods: Blood pressure (BP) measurement has been instituted as a pre-visit standard practice at the NYU College of Dentistry clinics over the past several years. We retrospectively collected electronic dental record data on all unique YA seen in these clinics in 2023 - 2025. They were categorized by year and subtypes of blood pressure. Results: Over the 3-year period, a total of 45,652 unique YAs were seen in the College of Dentistry clinics. Among them, the average age was 31.7±5.4 years. Half were women, 1/4 Black, 15% Asian, and 20% were Hispanic. 70% were privately insured. Among these patients, less than 1/3 (32.5%) exhibited normal or elevated BP (<130mmHg/<80mmHg) at the time of their visit, with a nearly equivalent proportion with BP ≥140mmHg and/or ≥90mmHg, consistent with Stage 2 or worse HTN (Figure). The prevalence of Stage 2 HTN increased from 2023 (28.5%) to 2025 (32.5%). Furthermore, only 6% reported being aware of a diagnosis of HTN, and <20% reported seeing a primary medical provider within the previous 2 years. Discussion: Pre-visit BP consistent with HTN were highly prevalent among YA attending visits at an academic dental clinic. Primary medical care and awareness of elevated BP were uncommon among these individuals. Institution of BP measurement in dental clinics may be an effective screening strategy, particularly among YA who often to not obtain regular medical care. However, feasible and acceptable interventions to address unappreciated HTN among this population require development.