Background: Both periodontal disease and hypertension individually, have been found to be linked to certain blood groups. However, the association of the blood groups to abnormal blood pressure and co-existing periodontal disease has not yet been explored. The objective of this study was to explore a possible association, if any among the three conditions.
Materials and Methods: In this pilot project, a total of 300 patients were screened initially, of which, 270 patients (205 males and 65 females) with mean age range of 34.5 years from various ABO blood groups, with gingivitis / periodontitis were selected and their blood pressure was measured in a standardized manner with a digital automated BP monitor. Patients with any systemic disease or condition or consuming any kind of medications and smokers were excluded from the study. The data thus obtained was statistically analyzed to assess prevalence and associations.
Results: Overall, blood group O(29.26%) reported the highest number of patients with abnormal blood pressure in the presence of periodontal disease followed by B(18.89%) and A(17.03%). No association was found with abnormal blood pressure and blood groups in the individual gingivitis and periodontitis groups. However, a significant association with abnormal blood pressure in males over females in blood group A and B in the gingivitis group and in blood group A in the periodontitis group was observed.(P<0.05).
Conclusion: The presence of periodontal disease in certain ABO blood groups may predispose to abnormal blood pressure values or hypertension.