Study: Some oral bacteria associated with high blood pressure in older women

Some oral bacteria were associated with the development of hypertension. High blood pressureIn postmenopausal women, according to a new study published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association, led by the University at Buffalo.

Hypertension is usually defined by two measurements: systolic blood pressure above 130 mm Hg (upper limit of measured pressure during heartbeat) and diastolic blood pressure above 80 mm Hg (lower limit of pressure between heartbeats). taller than.

Previous studies have shown that people with periodontal disease tend to have higher blood pressure than people without periodontal disease, but researchers found that this study was associated with the development of oral bacteria and high blood pressure. I believe this is the first study to positively investigate the relationship between.

“Periodontal disease and hypertension are especially prevalent in the elderly, so if we can establish a relationship between oral bacteria and hypertension risk, we may have the opportunity to enhance hypertension prevention by enhancing targeted oral care. I don’t. ” Michael J. Lamonte, Ph.D., one of the senior authors of research, and a professor of research in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at UB’s Public Health and Health College. LaMonte is also a collaborator at the UB Women’s Health Initiative Clinical Center.

Researchers evaluated data from 1,215 postmenopausal women (mean age 63 years at study enrollment, 1997-2001) in a Buffalo osteoporosis and periodontal disease study in Buffalo, NY.

At the time of study enrollment, the researchers recorded blood pressure and collected oral plaque from below the gum line. “Some bacteria keep the gums and tooth structure healthy, while others cause gum and periodontal disease,” says Lamonte. They also looked at the history of drug use and medical and lifestyle to assess whether there is a link between oral bacteria and hypertension in older women.

At the time of study enrollment, approximately 35% (429) of study participants showed normal blood pressure. The readings are less than 120/80 mm Hg and no blood pressure medication is used. Almost 24% (306) of participants had hypertension: measurements above 120/80 mm Hg and no medication. Approximately 40% (480) of participants were classified as having high blood pressure treatment as common. That is, the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension was done with medication.

Researchers have identified 245 unique bacterial strains from plaque samples. Almost one-third of women who did not have or were not treated for hypertension at the start of the study were diagnosed with hypertension during an average 10-year follow-up period.

Results of analysis:

• Ten bacteria were associated with a 10% to 16% increased risk of developing hypertension.When
• The other five bacteria were associated with a 9% to 18% lower risk of hypertension.

These results were consistent even after considering demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors that also affect the development of hypertension, such as old age, treatment of high cholesterol, diet and smoking.

We analyzed the potential association of the same 15 bacteria with the risk of hypertension between subgroups and compared women under the age of 65 with women over the age of 65. Smokers and non-smokers. Whether blood pressure at the start of the study is normal or hypertension, and other comparisons. The results were consistent across the compared groups.

According to LaMonte, the prevalence of high blood pressure is higher in older women than in older men, so the findings are particularly relevant for postmenopausal women.

Over 70% of American adults over the age of 65 have high blood pressure. The 2020 U.S. Census reports that the fastest growing age group in the United States is projected to reach 95 million by 2060, with women outnumbering men by 2: 1. increase. 2020 US Surgeon General Subpoena to manage high blood pressure It emphasizes the serious public health problems posed by high blood pressure in adults, especially in later years. Therefore, identifying new approaches to prevent this disease is paramount in an aging society.

According to the American Heart AssociationAlmost half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many do not know that they have high blood pressure. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

“We have come to better understand that health is affected by more than traditional risk factors that we know are very important. This paper is influenced by our environment. It suggests the need to better understand additional health factors that may affect our biology at the endothelial level, “said Willy Lawrence, chair of the National Heart Association’s National Hypertension. The doctor of medicine says. Oversight committee of the Control Initiative (NHCI). “Comprehensive research on hypertension needs to remain a priority for better understanding and coping with the condition.”

The observational approach of this study makes it impossible to infer the cause and effect, limiting the ability of researchers to reliably identify that only some bacteria are at low risk of hypertension and others are at high risk. Will be done. According to LaMonte, randomized controlled trials provide the evidence needed to determine which bacteria develop or do not develop hypertension.

LaMonte’s UB co-authors are Dr. Michael J. Buck, Professor and Director, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Jacobs Medical College and School of Biomedical Sciences. Kathleen M. Hovey, Data Manager / Statistician, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Department.When Jean Wactawski-WendePhD, Dean of Public Health and Health College, and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health.

Additional co-authors are Joshua H. Gordon, Patricia Diaz-Moreno, Christopher A. Andrews, and Daichi Shimbo.

This study was funded by the National Institute of Cardiopulmonary and Blood Research, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and the National Institute of Allergic Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). US Army Reserve; Women’s Health Initiative Program (Coordination Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center); Buffalo University Institute for Clinical Translation Science.