Deep periodontal pockets increase the risk for electrocardiographic abnormalities
"We found that people with deep periodontal pockets with a mean value greater than two millimeters had an increased risk for ECG abnormalities compared with people who had pockets with a mean value less than two millimeters. And, people with severe attachment loss with a mean value greater than 2.5 millimeters had a significant risk for ECG abnormalities." said Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyushu University Faculty of Dental Science, Japan.
"Considering these results, the relationship between periodontitis and ECG abnormalities observed in this study suggests a relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease."
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory bacterial infection. Past studies report that periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and neutrophils suggesting that elevated levels of these inflammatory substances cause inflammatory changes to atherosclerotic lesions, which increases the risk of cardiac events.
"This study adds to the growing body of evidence that links periodontitis to cardiovascular disease," said Michael P. Rethman, D.D.S., M.S., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. "In order to examine the degree of cardiovascular risk from periodontitis compared with other risk factors, cohort studies are required. For example, because problematical ECG results are a widely appreciated risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it could be clinically valuable to know the effects of periodontal treatment on ECG exams."
As ECG examinations cause no discomfort and take only a few minutes, it is widely used to screen for heart disease in health examinations. ECG abnormalities are significantly related to subsequent death from coronary heart disease and one of the most sensitive predictors of fatal coronary heart disease.
Comprehensive periodontal therapy is provided by dental specialists - known as periodontists - who are graduates of three-year residencies that they undertake after graduating from dental school. General dentists and dental hygienists can also provide more limited periodontal care.
A free brochure titled Ask Your Periodontist About Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease is available by calling 1-800-FLOSS-EM or using the AAP's online request form. The AAP's Web site (www.perio.org) can provide more information and a referral to a nearby periodontist.
The AAP was established in 1914 and focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
**EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the report published in the Journal of Periodontology's titled "Relationship Between Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and Periodontal Disease: The Hisayama Study" is available by calling Amy Duff at 312/573-3244.
Contact: Amy Duff
amyd@perio.org
312-573-3244
American Academy of Periodontology
Deep periodontale buzunare creºte riscul de anomalii electrocardiografice - Deep periodontal pockets increase the risk for electrocardiographic abnormalities - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate