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Relationship between tooth loss and electrocardiographic abnormalities in octogenarians
Y Takata1, T Ansai, K Matsumura
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu City, Japan. yutaka@kyu-dent.ac.jp
Journal of Dental Research
|October 13, 2001
Summary
Tooth loss, indicated by fewer than 20 teeth, is linked to abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in octogenarians. This suggests tooth loss may predict heart issues in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Periodontal disease is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Limited research exists on the specific link between periodontal disease and CHD in the very elderly population.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding the oral health-cardiac health connection in octogenarians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tooth loss and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in individuals aged 80 and above.
- To determine if tooth loss is an independent predictor of cardiac abnormalities in octogenarians.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 697 octogenarians in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, underwent oral examinations (tooth count, Community Periodontal Index) and 12-lead ECG.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between tooth count and ECG abnormalities.
- Adjustments were made for key cardiovascular risk factors including gender, smoking, serum lipids, glucose, blood pressure, and body mass index.
Main Results:
- Individuals with fewer than 20 teeth showed a higher prevalence of ST segment depression and T-wave abnormalities.
- Edentulous participants (no teeth) exhibited an increased prevalence of T-wave abnormalities and arrhythmias compared to those with 20 or more teeth.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for established coronary risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Tooth loss may serve as an independent predictor of abnormal ECG findings in the octogenarian population.
- The findings highlight a potential link between oral health status and cardiac electrical activity in the very elderly.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.
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