In a new study from the University at Buffalo, researchers found some oral bacteria were linked to the development of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, in older women.
High blood pressure is typically defined by two measurements: systolic blood pressure (the upper number measuring pressure when the heart beats) of 130 mm Hg or higher, and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number indicating pressure between heart beats) of 80 mm Hg or higher.
This study is the first to prospectively examine the association between oral bacteria and developing high blood pressure.
In the study, the team analyzed data for 1,215 postmenopausal women.
At study enrollment, researchers recorded blood pressure and collected oral plaque from below the gum line, which is where some bacteria keep the gum and tooth structures healthy, and others cause gum and periodontal disease.
Researchers identified 245 unique strains of bacteria in the plaque samples.
Nearly one-third of the women who did not have hypertension or were not being treated for hypertension at the beginning of the study were diagnosed with high blood pressure during the follow-up period, which was an average of 10 years.
The analysis found 10 bacteria were associated with a 10% to 16% higher risk of developing high blood pressure; and five other kinds of bacteria were associated with a 9% to 18% lower hypertension risk.
The team says the findings are particularly relevant for older women, since the prevalence of high blood pressure is higher among older women than older men.
More than 70% of American adults ages 65 and older have high blood pressure.
That age category, the fastest growing in the U.S., is projected to reach 95 million by 2060, with women outnumbering men 2 to 1, according to a 2020 U.S. Census report.
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The study is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and was conducted by Michael J. LaMonte et al.
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