Sublingual varices as predictor of factors associated with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Sublingual varicose veins are variations of normality that appear more prominent during aging. The systematic review aim to investigate sublingual varicose veins frequency in patients exposed to systemic and environmental exposed 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 exposed 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 a total of 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).

Consistent results were observed across all systemic and environmental exposed factors linked to cardiovascular diseases 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.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023397166.