Scientists at the State University of New York at Buffalo have found that certain oral bacteria are associated with high blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Study published magazine Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA).
Studies by scientists in the past have shown that high blood pressure is higher in older patients with periodontitis (gingivitis). In the current study, the authors set out to find an explanation for this pattern.
The expert sample included more than 1,200 postmenopausal women: the scientists collected data on the volunteers’ blood pressure and collected plaque below the gumline. They also collected data on medications taken, lifestyle, and medical history.
“Ten bacteria have been associated with a 10% to 16% increased risk of high blood pressure; the other five – by 9-18%. The findings are particularly relevant for postmenopausal women, as the prevalence of high blood pressure is higher in older women than in men of the same age, the authors said.