Straightforward saliva test has the potential to identify the risk of early heart disease.

According to a recent study, a straightforward saliva test could be used to detect the earliest signs of cardiovascular disease.

Scientists have discovered a connection between high levels of white blood cells in the saliva of healthy young adults and an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. To investigate this link, the researchers conducted a study where they used a simple oral rinse to measure the levels of white blood cells, which can indicate gum inflammation, in the saliva of healthy adults. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Oral Health, found that individuals with high levels of white blood cells had compromised flow-mediated dilation, which is an early indicator of poor arterial health.

Trevor King, the corresponding author of the study from Mount Royal University in Canada, stated that even in young and healthy individuals, low levels of oral inflammation could have an impact on cardiovascular health, which is one of the leading causes of death in North America. Previous research has shown a connection between periodontitis, a common gum infection, and the development of cardiovascular disease. Scientists believe that inflammatory factors from the gums may enter the bloodstream and damage the vascular system. In this study, the researchers focused on currently healthy young individuals without diagnosed periodontal problems to determine whether lower levels of oral inflammation could be relevant to cardiovascular health.

Ker-Yung Hong, the first author of the study who now studies dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, stated that there is a growing recognition of the relationship between oral health and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hong believes that implementing a holistic approach earlier on, even in young and healthy individuals, could help mitigate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. To assess cardiovascular risk, the team selected pulse-wave velocity and flow-mediated dilation as key indicators. These measures directly evaluate arterial health, with stiff and poorly functioning arteries increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study included 28 non-smokers aged between 18 and 30, with no comorbidities or medications that could affect cardiovascular risk, and no reported history of periodontal disease. The participants were instructed to fast for six hours before visiting the lab, where they rinsed their mouths with saline for analysis after rinsing with water. During the lab session, the participants underwent an electrocardiogram and had their blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity measured while lying down for 10 minutes.

Michael Glogauer, a co-author of the study from the University of Toronto, Canada, suggested that the mouth rinse test could be easily implemented as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic and used during annual checkups with family doctors or dentists.

The results of the study showed a significant relationship between high levels of white blood cells in saliva and poor flow-mediated dilation, indicating an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in these individuals. However, there was no correlation between white blood cells and pulse-wave velocity, suggesting that longer-term effects on arterial health had not yet occurred. The researchers hypothesized that inflammation from the mouth could leak into the vascular system and affect the arterial ability to produce nitric oxide, which is necessary for responding to changes in blood flow. The impact of higher levels of white blood cells on vascular dysfunction may be more pronounced, although the levels observed in the study participants are generally not considered clinically significant.

Although the study was a pilot study, Trevor King emphasized the importance of optimal oral hygiene and regular dental visits in light of the evidence. The researchers aim to expand the study population and explore the results further, including individuals with gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis, to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of varying levels of gum inflammation on cardiovascular measures.