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Periodontal disease as a risk factor for ischemic stroke
Armin J Grau1, Heiko Becher, Christoph M Ziegler
1Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. graua@klilu.de
Stroke
|January 7, 2004
Summary
Periodontal disease, including periodontitis and gingivitis, significantly increases the risk of cerebral ischemia, particularly in men and younger individuals. This treatable condition is an independent risk factor for stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic infections are linked to increased stroke risk.
- Periodontal disease, encompassing periodontitis and gingivitis, is a common oral condition.
- Investigating the association between periodontal disease and cerebral ischemia is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if periodontal disease is a risk factor for cerebral ischemia.
- To assess the association between periodontitis severity and the risk of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 303 ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack patients and 468 controls.
- Comprehensive dental examinations, including clinical attachment loss measurements, were performed.
- Statistical analyses adjusted for various demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Patients with cerebral ischemia exhibited significantly higher clinical attachment loss than controls.
- Severe periodontitis (mean clinical attachment loss >6 mm) was associated with a 4.3-fold increased risk of cerebral ischemia.
- Gingivitis and severe bone loss were also independent risk factors, while caries was not.
Conclusions:
- Periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for cerebral ischemia.
- The association was particularly strong in men and individuals younger than 60.
- Treating periodontal disease may be a strategy to reduce the risk of cerebral ischemia.