Gum Disease & High Blood Pressure

The association between gum disease and high blood pressure appears to be consistent, especially when gums are inflamed or bleed, the investigators reported. They noted that because high blood pressure typically causes no symptoms, many people are unaware that they’re affected or that high blood pressure increases their risk of cardiovascular complications. The study included 250 adults with severe gum infections and 250 healthy adults who were unaffected. Their median age was 35 years, and 52.6 percent were women. In addition to demonstrating the link between gum disease and high blood pressure seen in the study, the researchers found that individuals with gum disease were twice as likely to have high blood pressure as people with healthy gums.

Source:
Eva Muñoz Aguilera, D.D.S., et al “Association Between Periodontitis and Blood Pressure Highlighted in Systemically Healthy Individuals,” Hypertension, March 29, 2021 DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.16790

More current health news from this week’s bulletin:

• Midlife Loneliness
• Air Pollution & Exercise
• Refreshing Springtime Recipe: Two-Colored Fruit Gazpacho

---

Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters:

---