Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
A Mouse Model for Pathogen-induced Chronic Inflammation at Local and Systemic Sites
Published on: August 8, 2014
Periodontitis and the Risk of Heart Failure:a Meta-analysis and Mendelian Randomisation Study
Insights
Periodontitis is linked to a higher risk of heart failure (HF), according to a meta-analysis. However, Mendelian randomization studies did not confirm a causal relationship between periodontitis and HF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Oral Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Periodontitis and heart failure (HF) are significant global health concerns with substantial socioeconomic impact.
- Previous studies suggest a link between periodontitis and HF, but findings have been inconsistent.
- Clarifying this association is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal association between periodontitis and an increased risk of heart failure (HF).
- To confirm the relationship using both meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on studies examining periodontitis and HF risk, pooling results using a random-effects model.
- Mendelian randomization analyses utilized genome-wide association data for acute and chronic periodontitis.
- Independent genetic variants served as instrumental variables, with inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as primary analysis, supported by sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis, including 21,997 participants, indicated that periodontitis increases HF risk (OR = 1.62).
- Periodontitis was associated with increased risk for both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
- Mendelian randomization studies found no increased risk of HF associated with acute or chronic periodontitis, with robust sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions:
- Meta-analysis results suggest individuals with periodontitis face a higher risk of developing heart failure.
- Mendelian randomization findings did not establish a causal link between periodontitis and HF.
- Further research is necessary to confirm the association and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Purpose:
Periodontitis and heart failure (HF) impact millions of individuals globally with heavy social and economic burden. Prior research has indicated a connection between them. However, the conclusions have been somewhat inconsistent. Our objective is to confirm, through meta-analysis and Mendelian randomisation studies, whether patients with periodontitis have an increased risk of HF. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to explore the causal association between periodontitis and the risk of HF.
Materials And Methods:
In this meta-analysis, we searched online to identify studies involving periodontitis on the risk of HF. The main endpoint assessed in this study was the risk of HF. We used R language to calculate the pooled results and create plots. A random-effects model was employed in the analyses. In the Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses, we obtained data from public databases. MR analyses were conducted using genome-wide association data for acute and chronic periodontitis. Independent genetic variants associated significantly with each exposure (P 5*10-6) were considered as instruments. The primary analysis employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, which was subsequently supplemented by a series of sensitivity analyses to ensure the robustness and reliability of the findings.
Results:
Our meta-analysis included three publications, with a total of 21,997 participants. The pooled result demonstrated that periodontitis increased the risk of HF (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.29-2.03). Periodontitis increased the risk of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with a low level of heterogeneity (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.22-3.23) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with little heterogeneity (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.00-1.86). In the MR study, acute or chronic periodontitis did not increase the risk of HF. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the causal association estimations were robust.
Conclusion:
In summary, the meta-analysis results indicate that individuals with periodontitis are at a higher risk of HF. The findings from the MR study fail to establish a causal link between the two variables under investigation. To validate this assertion and elucidate the fundamental mechanism, additional research is imperative.
Clinical Significance:
Based on the current evidence, it cannot be concluded that there is a causal relationship between acute or chronic periodontitis and HF.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
01:27The Oral Microbiota