Gum disease can increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a new study. The meta-analysis study included 81 studies from 26 countries.
"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," senior author Francesco D'Aiuto, a professor at UCL Eastman Dental Institute in the UK, told a news portal.
The team wanted to understand the risk of high blood pressure in patients with gum disease, whether it was a severe or moderate form. The results showed the risk of hypertension increased by 22 per cent in patients with moderate periodontitis and 49 per cent for patients with severe periodontitis.
"We observed a positive linear relationship, with the hazard of high blood pressure rising as gum disease became more severe," lead author Dr Eva Munoz Aguilera, a professor at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, told a news portal.
High blood pressure is reportedly the leading cause of premature death around the world. Close to 30 to 45 per cent of adults are affected by the condition. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, affects more than half of the world's population and has been found to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Hypertension, a major cause of cardiovascular disease, is preventable.
"Hypertension could be the driver of heart attack and stroke in patients with periodontitis," Professor D'Aiuto told a news portal. Adding, "Previous research suggests a connection between periodontitis and hypertension and that dental treatment might improve blood pressure, but to date the findings are inconclusive."
Arterial blood pressure was particularly higher in patients with gum disease compared to those who do not suffer from the condition. "An average 5 mmHg blood pressure rise would be linked to a 25% increased risk of death from heart attack or stroke," Dr Munoz Aguilera, told a news portal.
The findings lead researchers to conclude periodontal therapy could manage blood pressure levels. "There seems to be a continuum between oral health and blood pressure which exists in healthy and diseased states. The evidence suggesting periodontal therapy could reduce blood pressure remains inconclusive. In nearly all intervention studies, blood pressure was not the primary outcome. Randomised trials are needed to determine the impact of periodontal therapy on blood pressure," Professor D'Aiuto told a news portal.
The reason for this connection may be due to inflammation caused by oral bacteria, which could disrupt the function of blood vessels. "In many countries throughout the world, oral health is not checked regularly, and gum disease remains untreated for many years. The hypothesis is that this situation of oral and systemic inflammation and response to bacteria accumulates on top of existing risk factors," Professor D'Aiuto told a news portal.
The team notes that they need to further investigate gum disease to fully understand it as a potential risk factor for high blood pressure. "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," Professor D'Aiuto told a news portal.
The study's findings were originally published in the journal Cardiovascular Research.
Picture Courtesy: Google Images
