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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
07:15
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Association Between Arterial Hypertension and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ani Matinyan-Hakobyan1,2,3, Beatriz Gonzalez-Navarro1,2,3, Sonia Egido-Moreno1,2,3
1Department of Stomatology, Master of Medicine, Surgery and Oral Implantology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UB-Odontology Hospital University of Barcelona, C/Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|August 13, 2026
Summary
This study found a consistent link between periodontitis (gum disease) and arterial hypertension (high blood pressure). While the association is significant, more research is needed due to the low certainty of the evidence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Oral Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Periodontitis and arterial hypertension are prevalent chronic conditions.
- Shared risk factors and inflammatory pathways suggest a potential link.
- The strength and consistency of the periodontitis-hypertension relationship require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze observational studies on the association between periodontitis and arterial hypertension.
- To quantify the strength of this relationship.
- To assess the certainty of the evidence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.
- Included 36 observational studies, with 11 used for quantitative meta-analysis (48,761 participants).
- Risk of bias assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
- Random-effects meta-analysis of adjusted odds ratios (ORs).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between periodontitis and hypertension (OR = 1.65).
- Heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 65%), partly explained by periodontal case definition.
- Stronger association observed with AAP/EFP classification (OR = 1.90) versus other indices (OR = 1.35).
- Overall certainty of evidence was rated as Very Low (GRADE).
Conclusions:
- A consistent positive association between periodontitis and arterial hypertension exists in observational studies.
- The finding is a signal for further investigation due to very low evidence certainty.
- Causality cannot be established; periodontal health's role in cardiovascular risk needs more research.
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