AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Dental Research / 24.10.2018
Blood Pressure Hard to Control? Maybe its Your Teeth
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Rita Del Pinto, MD
University of L'Aquila
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences,
L'Aquila - Italy
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: There is a wealth of literature in support of a role for inflammation behind cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. One relatively poorly explored field is that of oral diseases, namely periodontitis, as a potential source of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Previous studies had described a beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on blood pressure; we extended current knowledge with our findings on over 3600 treated hypertensive adults with and without periodontitis, showing a significant benefit over systolic blood pressure behavior and control in the presence of a good periodontal health.
Rita Del Pinto, MD
University of L'Aquila
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences,
L'Aquila - Italy
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: There is a wealth of literature in support of a role for inflammation behind cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. One relatively poorly explored field is that of oral diseases, namely periodontitis, as a potential source of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Previous studies had described a beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on blood pressure; we extended current knowledge with our findings on over 3600 treated hypertensive adults with and without periodontitis, showing a significant benefit over systolic blood pressure behavior and control in the presence of a good periodontal health. 