CORRELATIVE ASSOCIATION OF ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AND BLOOD GLUCOSE IN THE VARIOUS ABO BLOOD GROUPS IN THE PRESENCE OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE - A PILOT PROJECT IN THE WESTERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA.

Abstract

Background: Numerous reports have suggested an association between diabetes and hypertension, the most prevalent systemic conditions affecting mankind today. The prevalence of these conditions has been linked to certain blood groups as also to periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to explore a possible association of the ABO blood groups with these conditions.

Materials and Methods: In this pilot project, a total of 400 subjects were screened initially, of which, 366 subjects (226 males and 140 females) with mean age range of 34.5 years from various ABO blood groups, were randomly selected and their systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( SBP & DBP), random blood glucose(RBS) and gingival blood glucose( GBS) were measured in a standardized manner with a digital automated equipment. Subjects with any systemic disease or condition or consuming any kind of medications and smokers were excluded from the study. Data obtained was statistically analyzed with correlation analysis to assess possible associations.

Results: A strong positive correlation was observed in blood group AB between elevated RBS, GBS, SBP & DBP values (P<0.01) in gingivitis and periodontitis subjects as well as in the overall study population. In addition, a strong positive correlation in blood group B between high RBS and DBP (P < 0.001) and GBS & SBP and DBP values ( P<0.05), in the periodontally healthy group was observed.

Conclusion: Subjects with blood group AB in the Saudi population may be predisposed to an increased risk for diabetes and hypertension in the presence of periodontal disease.

Keywords: ABO blood groups, blood pressure, blood glucose, gingivitis, periodontitis.