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Published on: October 22, 2014
[Periodontal disease, a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease]
Dorottya Gheorghita1, Gabriella Eördegh1, Ferenc Nagy2
1Konzerváló és Esztétikai Fogászati Tanszék, Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Fogorvostudományi Kar Szeged, Tisza Lajos körút 64-66., 6720.
Insights
Periodontal disease may increase cardiovascular disease risk by promoting systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Maintaining oral health and treating periodontitis could help reduce this risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Periodontology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, often linked to atherosclerosis and thromboembolic events.
- Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between periodontal disease (periodontitis) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiological mechanisms connecting periodontal disease and cardiovascular pathology.
- To summarize clinical evidence linking periodontitis to specific cardiovascular diseases.
- To explore the potential of periodontal treatment in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of pathophysiological pathways involving microbial and inflammatory processes.
- Synthesis of clinical evidence and epidemiological data.
Main Results:
- Chronic periodontitis can act as a reservoir for pathogens, increasing systemic inflammation.
- Oral bacteria and their products entering circulation can exacerbate atherosclerosis progression.
- Clinical studies show an association between periodontitis and increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Conclusions:
- Periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Good oral hygiene and periodontal treatment may contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of periodontal interventions in cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is recognized as the leading cause of death and disability in the world. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to atherosclerotic disease and thromboembolic events leading to ischemic heart disease and stroke. The role of inflammation is well recognized in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Increasing number of studies support the hypothesis that periodontal disease, specifically periodontitis, is a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis and thus cardiovascular disease. Chronic infections of periodontal pockets act as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms, their toxins and degradation products, raising the overall systemic inflammatory burden. Entering the circulation and atherosclerotic lesions themselves, they lead to further local and systemic inflammatory response, in all contributing to atherosclerosis progression, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk. Along these lines, good oral health in general and the periodontal treatment in more severe cases may play a role in cardiovascular risk reduction, primary and secondary prevention. The present review summarizes the possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking periodontal and cardiovascular pathology, lists clinical evidence between periodontitis and specific forms of cardiovascular disease and looks forward at the potential role of periodontal treatment in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(11): 419-425.
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