People with gum disease face a greater risk of developing high blood pressure
- University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute carried out study
- Found gum disease is linked to increased likelihood of high blood pressure
- High blood pressure has been linked to risk of heart attacks and strokes
People with gum disease are more likely to develop high blood pressure, according to a new study.
High blood pressure affects up to 45 per cent of adults and is the leading global cause of premature death, while gum disease – also known as periodontitis – affects more than half of the world’s population.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the main preventable cause of heart diesease, while periodontitis has been linked with an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
The latest findings, published in the journal Cardiovascular Research, shows that people with gum disease have a greater likelihood of high blood pressure.
Study senior author Professor Francesco D’Aiuto of University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute, said: ‘We observed a linear association – the more severe periodontitis is, the higher the probability of hypertension.
University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute
‘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.’
He explained: ‘Hypertension could be the driver of heart attack and stroke in patients with periodontitis.
‘Previous research suggests a connection between periodontitis and hypertension and that dental treatment might improve blood pressure, but to date the findings are inconclusive.’
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 analysis.
Moderate-to-severe periodontitis was associated with a 22 per cent raised risk for hypertension, while severe periodontitis was linked with 49 per cent higher odds of hypertension.
Study lead author Dr Eva Munoz Aguilera also 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 in patients with periodontitis compared to those without, amounting to 4.5 mmHg higher systolic and 2 mmHg higher diastolic blood pressures.
Dr Munoz Aguilera said: ‘The differences are not negligible.
‘An average 5 mmHg blood pressure rise would be linked to a 25 per cent increased risk of death from heart attack or stroke.’
Just five 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.
Professor D’Aiuto said: ‘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.’
Regarding potential reasons for the connection between the conditions, he said gum disease and the associated oral bacteria lead to inflammation throughout the body, which affects blood vessel function.
Common genetic susceptibility could also play a role, along with shared risk factors such as smoking and obesity.
Prof D’Aiuto said: ‘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.’
He noted that the study investigated gum disease as a potential risk factor for hypertension, but the reverse could also be true.
Prof D’Aiuto added: ‘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.’
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
More than one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many won’t realise it.
The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.
Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers. The systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body.
The diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. They’re both measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
As a general guide:
- high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
- ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
- low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
- A blood pressure reading between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you don’t take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as:
- heart disease
- heart attacks
- strokes
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- aortic aneurysms
- kidney disease
- vascular dementia
Source: NHS
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