Study Highlight:

Intensive treatment of gum disease, or periodontitis, was associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure among patients at risk for developing high blood pressure in this Chinese study.

Embargoed until 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017

This news release contains updated study information not reflected in the abstract.

ANAHEIM, California, Nov. 14, 2017 — Treatment for gum disease, or periodontitis, significantly lowered blood pressure among Chinese patients at risk for developing high blood pressure, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017, a premier global exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians.

This small study compared blood pressure levels after standard and intensive treatment for gum disease. The standard treatment included basic oral hygiene instructions and teeth cleaning with plaque removal above the gum line. The intensive treatment included the standard treatment along with cleaning down to the roots with local anesthesia, antibiotic treatment and dental extractions, if necessary.

Researchers found:

One month after treatment, systolic blood pressure was nearly 3 points lower in participants receiving intensive treatment, but no significant difference was observed in diastolic blood pressure.

Three months after treatment, systolic blood pressure was nearly 8 points lower and diastolic pressure was nearly 4 points lower in patients receiving intensive treatment.

Six months after treatment, systolic blood pressure was nearly 13 points and diastolic blood pressure was almost 10 points lower in patients receiving intensive treatment.

“The present study demonstrates for the first time that intensive periodontal intervention alone can reduce blood pressure levels, inhibit inflammation and improve endothelial function,” said study lead author Jun Tao, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the department of Hypertension and Vascular Disease and director of the Institute of Geriatrics Research at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China.

Study participants included 107 Chinese women and men age 18 years and over with prehypertension and moderate to severe gum disease. Through random assignment, half of the participants received standard treatment and half received intensive treatment for gum disease.

Researchers noted additional research with patients from diverse backgrounds is needed.

In the United States, high blood pressure affects 29.1 percent of adults aged 18 and over in 2011 – 2012. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease. Fortunately, most people can manage the disease through diet and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol and taking prescribed medications properly.

Co-authors are Jun-Ying Yang, M.D.; Qian-Bing Zhou, M.D.; Wen-Hao Xia, M.D., Ph.D.; Jing Ren, M.D.; Chen Su, M.D., Ph.D., and Xiao-Yu Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the abstract.

The National Science and Technology Pillar Program funded the study.

Note: Scientific presentation is 4:45 p.m. PT, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017.

Presentation location: 209AB (Main Building)

Additional Resources:

Available downloadable video/audio interviews, B-roll, animation and images related to this news release are on the right column of the release link https://newsroom.heart.org/news/treating-gum-disease-may-help-lower-blood-pressure?preview=a8acf182810eeb67b698dcd792374bc0

to this news release are on the right column of the release link https://newsroom.heart.org/news/treating-gum-disease-may-help-lower-blood-pressure?preview=a8acf182810eeb67b698dcd792374bc0 Video clips with researchers/authors of the studies will be added to the release link after embargo.

embargo. High Blood Pressure Tools & Resources

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Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

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