Core tip: Patients with gum disease (periodontitis) are more likely to develop high blood pressure (hypertension), according to a study recently published in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Journal cardiovascal research.
People with gum disease (periodontitis) are more likely to develop high blood pressure (hypertension), according to a study recently published in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Journal cardiovascular research.
Professor Francesco d'aiuto of the Eastman Dental Institute, University of London, said: "we found that the more severe periodontitis, the higher the risk of hypertension. The results suggest that people with gum disease should understand their own risk and make recommendations on lifestyle changes to prevent hypertension, such as exercise and healthy eating. "
Hypertension affects 30-45% of adults and is the leading cause of premature death worldwide, while periodontitis affects more than 50% of the world's population. Hypertension is a major preventable cause of cardiovascular disease, and periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
"High blood pressure may be a cause of heart attack and stroke in patients with periodontitis," Professor d'aiuto said. "Previous studies have shown a link between periodontitis and hypertension, and dental treatment may improve blood pressure, but so far, the results are inconclusive. "
The study collected the best available evidence to examine the risk of hypertension in patients with moderate to severe gingival disease. The meta-analysis included 81 studies from 26 countries.
Moderate to severe periodontitis was associated with a 22% increased risk of hypertension, while severe periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of hypertension by 49%. Lead author Dr EVA Munoz Aguilera, of the Dental Institute, University of London, Eastman, said: "we found that as gingival disease becomes more severe, the risk of hypertension increases, and there is a positive linear correlation between the two. "
The mean arterial blood pressure in patients with periodontitis was higher than that in patients without periodontitis. Systolic blood pressure increased by 4.5 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure increased by 2 mmHg. "These differences cannot be ignored," said Dr. Munoz Aguilera. For every 5 mmHg increase in blood pressure, the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke increases by 25%. "
Of the 12 interventional studies, only 5 showed a decrease in blood pressure after gingival treatment. These changes even occur in people with normal blood pressure.
Professor d'aiuto said: "there seems to be a continuous and unified relationship between oral health and blood pressure, which exists in the state of health and disease. However, the evidence that periodontal therapy can reduce blood pressure is not conclusive. In almost all intervention studies, blood pressure was not the main outcome. Randomized trials are needed to determine the effect of periodontal treatment on blood pressure. "
As for the underlying cause of the link between gum disease and associated oral bacteria, gum disease can lead to systemic inflammation, which in turn affects vascular function. In addition to common risk factors such as smoking and obesity, common genetic susceptibility may also play a role.
