Gum disease can aggravate blood pressure problems



[ad_1]

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Oct. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) – A new study suggests that gum disease can interfere with the control of high blood pressure.

The researchers examined the medical and dental records of more than 3,600 people with hypertension.

Compared to people with good oral health, people with gum disease were less likely to respond to antihypertensive medications and 20% less likely to achieve healthy blood pressure goals, revealed the study.

"Physicians should pay special attention to the oral health of patients, especially those receiving treatment for hypertension [high blood pressure]and urge people with signs of periodontal disease to seek dental care, "said Dr. Davide Pietropaoli, senior author.He is a doctor in dental surgery from the University of L'Aquila, Italy.

Pietropaoli added that dental health professionals should keep in mind that oral health is "indispensable" to overall health.

Although the study only found one association, the results suggest that people with gum disease may need closer monitoring of blood pressure, and that people with hypertension could benefit from regular dental care. , according to the authors.

The study was published on October 22 in the journal Hypertension.

"Hypertensive patients and the clinicians who care for them should be aware that good oral health can be just as important to controlling the disease as several interventions to control their blood pressure, such as a low sodium diet." , exercise and weight control, "Pietropaoli said in a press release.

Worldwide, high blood pressure affects up to 40% of people 25 years and older. If left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney disease.

Red, swollen or sensitive gums, and bleeding from brushing and flossing are signs of gum disease.

HealthDay's WebMD News

sources

SOURCE:Hypertension, press release, October 22, 2018



Copyright © 2013-2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

[ad_2]
Source link