Periodontitis and its association with left ventricular geometry and function: A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Periodontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality.
• Periodontal disease is prevalent and linked to systemic inflammation.
• Early detection of cardiac changes is crucial for CVD risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between periodontal status and left ventricular (LV) geometry and function.
• To determine if periodontal disease markers correlate with cardiac remodeling.
• To explore the potential of periodontal assessment in cardiovascular risk evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from two population-based cohorts (SHIP-START-2 and SHIP-TREND-0).
• Assessed periodontal status via bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and missing teeth.
• Classified periodontitis using a modified 2018 framework and evaluated LV geometry/function via echocardiography.

Main Results:

• Positive associations found between PD, CAL, missing teeth, and increased LV volumes and mass.
• Periodontitis stages correlated with higher LV volumes and mass (p < 0.05).
• Stage IV periodontitis was linked to reduced ejection fraction, though other functional markers were not significant.

Conclusions:

• Periodontitis markers are associated with cardiac remodeling, specifically increased LV volume and mass.
• Findings suggest integrating periodontal assessment into cardiovascular risk evaluation.
• Clinical relevance requires further investigation due to small effect sizes.