Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of deaths. Also, cardiovascular risk factors start the atherosclerotic process, which leads to cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, periodontal disease can also be considered another cardiovascular risk factor. It involves inflammatory, immunological and humoral activities, which induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the destruction of the epithelium. This allows the entry of endotoxins and exotoxins in the bloodstream, which may contribute to atherogenesis and thromboembolic events. There is also direct invasion of the vessel wall by oral pathogens, triggering an inflammatory response that produces endothelial dysfunction. In hypertension, changes in microcirculation can cause ischemia in the periodontium, which favors periodontal disease. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and the development of lesions in target organs. Periodontitis has also been associated with insulin resistance and a higher risk for the metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by oxidative stress. This seems to act as a common link to explain the relationship between each component of the metabolic syndrome (including hypertension) and periodontitis. This article will discuss clinical and experimental evidence, as well as possible pathophysiologic mechanisms and links involved in the relationship among periodontal disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

AimThe objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of aminaphtone to control gum bleeding.Patients and methodsFifteen male and 15 female children, aged between 10 and 18 years with a mean age of 13.4 years and with gingival bleeding, were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase IV clinical trial. The inclusion criterion was gingivitis with gingival bleeding. Participants were prescribed either aminaphtone or placebo. Thirty identical boxes containing blister packs of identical pills of either aminaphtone or placebo were produced and coded with unique numbers by the manufacturer (Baldacci Laboratory, Brazil) and donated for this trial. A research assistant administered aminaphtone (Capilarema 75 mg) to fifteen patients or placebo to fifteen patients twice daily for 5 days. Intraoral clinical evaluations of bleeding were made before starting medication/placebo and then at 3 and 5 days after administration.ResultsOn comparing the number of bleeding points before and after treatment between the aminaphtone and placebo groups, we found significantly higher reductions with the medication (P<0.0001).ConclusionAminaphtone reduces gum bleeding in gingivitis, and may have a supportive role in the control of bleeding.