Periodontitis & Heart Attack

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and Periodontitis, which leads to the loss of connective tissue and the bone support of teeth, is the major cause of tooth loss in adults over 40 years.

Periodontitis is very common, and around 90% of people aged over 60 suffer from it. Research has already shown a genetic basis for both diseases.

Scientists have discovered a genetic relationship between the two conditions, a researcher told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Because of its association with CHD, periodontitis should be taken very seriously by dentists and diagnosed and treated as early as possible

Both CHD and periodontitis are propagated by the same risk factors – most importantly:

• smoking



• diabetes
  
• obesity – and there is also a gender relationship, with men possibly more liable to these diseases than women.

Researchers have also shown similarities in the bacteria found in the oral cavity and in coronary plaques, and both diseases are characterised by an imbalanced immune reaction and chronic inflammation.

Patients with periodontitis should try to reduce their risk factors and take preventive measures at an early stage

Patients With Moderate To Severe Periodontitis Need Evaluation For Heart Disease Risk: (Jul/1/2009)

Patients should receive evaluation and possible treatment to reduce their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), now there is a strong evidence that people with periodontitis are at increased risk of atherosclerotic CVD – the accumulation of lipid products within the arterial vascular wall.

The explanation for the link between periodontitis and atherosclerotic CVD is not yet clear, but a leading candidate is

• Inflammation caused by the immune system.
• Other explanations for periodontitis and atherosclerotic CVD are common risk factors such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, genetics, mental anxiety, depression, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Regardless of the cause, the expert panel believes that the current evidence is strong enough to recommend that doctors assess atherosclerotic CVD in their patients with periodontitis.

Patients should consider a medical evaluation if they have not done so in the past 12 months.

See also: Periodontal Disease: How To Protect Your Teeth And Gums

Sources:
European Society of Human Genetics
The American Journal of Cardiology
The American Journal of Periodontology