People with gum inflammation or periodontitis have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure, finds a new research
People with gum inflammation (periodontitis) have a greater likelihood of high blood pressure (hypertension), according to a study published in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Senior author Professor Francesco D’Aiuto of UCL Eastman Dental Institute, UK, said: “We observed a linear association – the more severe periodontitis is, the higher the probability of hypertension. The findings suggest that patients with gum disease should be informed of their risk and given advice on lifestyle changes to prevent high blood pressure such as exercise and a healthy diet.”
High blood pressure affects 30-45% of adults and is the leading global cause of premature death, while periodontitis affects more than 50% of the world’s population. Hypertension is the main preventable cause of cardiovascular disease, and periodontitis has been linked with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Moderate-to-severe periodontitis was associated with a 22% increased risk for hypertension, while severe periodontitis was linked with 49% higher odds of hypertension
This study compiled the best available evidence to examine the odds of high blood pressure in patients with moderate and severe gum disease. A total of 81 studies from 26 countries were included in the meta-analysis.
Moderate-to-severe periodontitis was associated with a 22% increased risk for hypertension, while severe periodontitis was linked with 49% higher odds of hypertension. Lead author Dr Eva Munoz Aguilera of UCL Eastman Dental Institute said: “We observed a positive linear relationship, with the hazard of high blood pressure rising as gum disease became more severe.”
Average arterial blood pressure was higher by 4.5 mmHg in systolic and 2 mmHg in diastolic pressures in patients with periodontitis compared to those without. “An average 5 mmHg blood pressure rise would be linked to a 25% increased risk of death from heart attack or stroke,” said Dr Munoz Aguilera.
Just 5 out of 12 interventional studies included in the review showed a reduction in blood pressure following gum treatment. The changes occurred even in people with healthy blood pressure levels.
He noted that the study investigated gum disease as a potential risk factor for hypertension, but the reverse could also be true. “Further research is needed to examine whether patients with high blood pressure have a raised likelihood of gum disease. It seems prudent to provide oral health advice to those with hypertension,” he said.