Non-surgical periodontal treatment reduces cardiovascular risk in refractory hypertensive patients: a pilot study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on left ventricular mass (LVM), arterial stiffness, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and plasma levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and interleukin-6) in refractory hypertension patients.

Material and methods: This interventional prospective cohort pilot study included 26 patients (53.6 ± 8.0 years old) diagnosed with refractory hypertension and generalized chronic periodontitis. Subjects received non-surgical periodontal treatment according to their needs. Plasma levels of systemic inflammation (CRP; fibrinogen and interleukin-6) and established cardiovascular risk factors [systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), left ventricular mass (LVM) and arterial stiffness] were assessed at three time points (baseline, 3 months after baseline and 6 months after periodontal therapy).

Results: Periodontal therapy significantly reduced all cardiovascular risk markers evaluated. Median values of SBP and DBP were reduced by 12.5 mmHg and 10.0 mmHg, respectively, whereas left ventricular mass (LVM) reduced by 12.9 g and pulse wave velocity reduced by 0.9 m/s (p < 0.01). Levels of CRP, IL-6 and fibrinogen lowered by 0.5 mg/dl, 1.4 pg/dl and 37.5 mg/dl (p < 0.01), respectively, 6 months after periodontal therapy.

Conclusions: Periodontal therapy significantly reduced levels of CRP, IL-6, fibrinogen, blood pressure, LVM and arterial stiffness, lowering cardiovascular risk in refractory hypertensive patients.