A Study to Evaluate the Relationship between Cardiovascular Disease and Periodontitis

Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are both chronic inflammatory conditions with growing evidence of a potential link.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease by evaluating clinical parameters and systemic inflammatory markers.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 90 patients aged 35-70 years, divided into three groups: Group A (periodontitis with CVD), Group B (periodontitis only), and Group C (CVD only). Periodontal parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded.

Group A showed the most severe periodontal disease (PPD: 5.2 ± 1.1 mm; CAL: 4.8 ± 0.9 mm) and the highest inflammatory marker levels (CRP: 5.8 mg/L; IL-6: 12.5 pg/mL). Significant correlations were found between CAL and CRP (r = 0.62, P = 0.001), PPD and systolic BP (r = 0.47, P = 0.003), and BOP and IL-6 (r = 0.51, P = 0.002). Group A also had poorer oral hygiene practices and a higher prevalence of CAD (80%).

It is concluded that periodontitis is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease, primarily through systemic inflammation.