Title: New Study Finds Link Between Saliva White Blood Cells and Cardiovascular Disease
Researchers from Canada have made a groundbreaking discovery linking high white blood cell levels in saliva to early signs of cardiovascular disease. The study, led by Trevor King of Mount Royal University, was recently published in the prestigious health journal Frontiers in Oral Health.
The team of researchers utilized a simple oral rinse technique to measure white blood cell levels in healthy adults. They found that higher levels of white blood cells were indicative of gum inflammation, which is known as periodontitis. This gum inflammation has been previously connected to cardiovascular disease.
The study focused on young and healthy individuals in order to determine if lower levels of oral inflammation are relevant to cardiovascular health. Pulse-wave velocity was used to measure arterial stiffness, a parameter closely associated with poor arterial health. A total of 28 non-smokers between the ages of 18 and 30 were recruited for the study.
The findings revealed that high white blood cell levels in saliva were significantly correlated with compromised flow-mediated dilation, suggesting an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Flow-mediated dilation is an early indicator of poor arterial health, which can lead to the development of cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease and strokes.
The researchers believe that inflammatory factors from the gums may enter the bloodstream and damage the vascular system, ultimately contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease. They also propose that the mouth rinse test used in the study could potentially be used as an early detection method during annual checkups, allowing healthcare professionals to identify individuals at higher risk.
In the future, the researchers plan to expand their study population to include individuals with gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis. This will enable them to further understand the impact of inflammation on cardiovascular health and potentially develop more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Overall, this groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into the link between oral health and cardiovascular disease. By identifying the connection between high white blood cell levels in saliva and early signs of cardiovascular disease, this research opens up new avenues for early detection and prevention of this deadly condition.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”