Periodontitis and Other Risk Factors Related to Myocardial Infarction and Its Follow-Up.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Periodontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontal disease share common risk factors.
• Reducing risk factors is key for myocardial infarction (MI) prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate periodontitis as a potential risk factor for MI.
• To identify common risk factors associated with MI and periodontal disease.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study with a prospective follow-up.
• Inclusion of 144 male MI patients (MIG) and 138 controls (CG).
• Assessment of general, lifestyle, periodontal, biochemical, and cardiological parameters; statistical analysis using ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Patients with periodontitis had fewer teeth and higher leukocyte counts.
• Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and exercise hours were higher in controls without periodontitis.
• Higher prevalence of *Porphyromonas gingivalis* and *Tannerella forsythia* in periodontitis groups.
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was better preserved in non-periodontitis patients.
• Periodontitis was associated with increased Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events (MACE) during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Periodontitis, alongside lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, are identified as risk factors for MI.
• Periodontitis is a significant risk factor for MI and MACE.
• Preserved LVEF indicates the protective role of non-periodontitis status in cardiac health outcomes.