Is periodontitis an independent risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis?

The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationship between periodontitis and atherosclerosis by comparing the ultrasound and clinical markers of atherosclerosis in systemically healthy patients with and without periodontitis and whether periodontitis can be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Total 40 subjects, of same socioeconomic status, belonging to age group of 35-65 years, were recruited and divided into two groups - Group I (Chronic Generalised Periodontitis without any systemic disease: CP-SH), Group II (Normal healthy patients without periodontitis and any systemic disease - SH). Clinical measurements and ultrasound examinations were carried out. Qualitative variables were analyzed using Chi square test and qualitative variables using Unpaired Student t test. Statistical significance was accepted for p≤0.05.

Carotid ultrasound revealed right and left intima media thickness (IMT) of 0.626±0.016mm and 0.715±0.037mm respectively in cases versus 0.495±0.009mm and 0.518±0.009mm respectively in controls, with the difference being statistically significant. In cases, mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 83.45±4.07mmHg versus 79.25±3.63mmHg in controls, with the difference being statistically significant.

In this study, we found statistically significant differences in carotid IMT and DBP values between cases and controls. These findings suggest independent role of periodontal disease in subclinical atherosclerosis.