Sublingual varices predictor of factors associated with cardiovascular diseases

Sublingual varicose veins are variations of normality that appear more prominent during ageing. The systematic review aims to investigate sublingual varicose veins frequency in patients exposed to systemic and environmental exposure factors linked to cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review was based on the PECO strategy, and the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Grey Literature library were searched for publications examining the association between sublingual varicose veins and systemic and environmental exposure factors linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and leg varices. A meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models. This review included 11 studies with 2,272 patients with sublingual varicosity and systemic exposed factors linked to cardiovascular diseases. The quality assessment was improved by Newcastle and Ottawa Scales (NOS). Results: Consistent results were observed across all systemic and environmental exposed factors linked to cardiovascular disease subgroups. We found association between sublingual varicose veins and hypertension [p = 0.0002; 95%IC2.90 [1.66-5.06]; I2 91%); diabetics (p = 0.009; 95%IC 3.19 [1.34 - 7.62]; I2 84%); tobacco abuse (p = 0.002; 95%IC 1.97 [1.29 - 3.01]; I2 82%) and leg varicosity (p = 0.03; 95%IC 2.63 [1.08 - 6.44]; I2 95%). Seven articles received score 7, indicating good quality and four articles received moderate quality. Patients exposed to exposed factors that affect blood vessels showed a higher prevalence of sublingual varicose veins. These findings emphasize the importance of recognizing oral signs underlying systemic diseases.

Reference:

Costa AKLS, de Andrade ACM, Felix FA, Pureza IROM, Nóbrega DF, de França GM. Sublingual varices as predictor of factors associated with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Dec 3;29(1):15.

doi:10.1007/s10006-024-01311-5.PMID: 39623150

Keywords:

Costa AKLS, de Andrade ACM, Felix FA, Pureza IROM, Nóbrega DF, de França GM, Sublingual, varices, predictor, factors, cardiovascular diseases, systematic review, meta-analysis, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Heart disease risk factors; Mouth floor; Tongue; Varicose veins.