News - Hypertension Week of March 23, 2003/ Vol. 2 No. 12

Study: Gum Disease Linked to Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensives

The severity of chronic gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked to the size of left ventricular mass in people with hypertension with no known cause.

Prior studies have associated chronic gum disease with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular mass is an established independent predictor of cardiovascular disease.

A team of Italian researchers studied 104 untreated people with such hypertension who underwent a gum disease assessment. With the increasing severity of gum disease, the researchers found a progressive increase in left ventricle mass.

The researchers, whose findings were reported in the March issue of Hypertension, noted that people with hypertension should have a periodontal evaluation to help identify whether they are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Other sources: Hypertension (2003 41: 488-492)