Periodontitis increases the risk of suffering from future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

It was already known, but so far there was no rigorous and exhaustive report that corroborated the link between periodontitis and the future risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Now two of the international reference entities in the field of periodontal and cardiovascular health, the European Federation of Periodontics (VET) and the World Heart Federation (WHF), publish a consensus powerful that leaves no room for doubt.

 The report, product of Perio-Cardio Workshop that took place in Madrid and was co-coordinated by Prof. Mariano Sanz, former president of SEPA, collects ample evidence that supports the idea that periodontitis causes an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the future. This workshop brought together more than 20 experts from both organizations a year ago to consider the latest evidence on the associations between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases and to write a series of recommendations on prevention and therapy; Now the results and the consensus reached are published, “after rigorously and impartially reviewing the scientific evidence behind these associations,” said Prof. Sanz.

 The report explains the most recent evidence on the associations between the two diseases

The consensus article «Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease: Consensus report» has been published today in respective scientific journals of the two federations, the “Journal of Clinical Periodontology” and “Global Heart.” The Spanish Society of Periodontics (SEPA), which is part of the VET, has been one of the pioneer European scientific societies in this area, with close collaboration for years with theSpanish Society of Cardiology.

 Messages for professionals and the population

Those responsible for this consensus not only stress that there is strong epidemiological evidence between periodontitis and an increased risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but also tothey inform patients with periodontitis that they have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke, and that they must actively control risk factors (such as smoking, lack of exercise, excess weight, blood pressure and a diet high in saturated fats and refined sugars). On top of that, patients who have periodontitis and cardiovascular disease they should be informed that they can have a increased risk of suffering subsequent cardiovascular complications and, therefore, should follow the regimes of Recommended prevention, treatment and maintenance.

 

The report notes that severe periodontitis is independently and significantly associated with cardiovascular disease from all causes and with cardiovascular mortality in several populations. The proposed mechanisms to explain this association include bacteremia and associated systemic inflammatory sequelae, including elevations of C-reactive protein and oxidative stress.

 

The report includes recommendations for oral health professionals to apply in their dental practice with people with cardiovascular diseases, as well as for cardiologists to use them in their clinical work with patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

This consensus document includes a series of recommendations for oral health professionals to apply in their dental practice with people with cardiovascular diseases, as well as for cardiologists to use them in their clinical work with patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the report incorporates Practical tips about the potential risk and complications of periodontal therapy in patients who are taking antithrombotic medications.

 As Professor Mariano Sanz, professor of Periodontics in the Complutense University of Madrid and lead author of the consensus report. «The health implications and recommendations of this consensus report should serve to implement actions aimed at prevention of cardiovascular and periodontal diseases ». In this same sense, Professor Pablo Perel, principal scientific advisor of the World Heart Federation, deputy editor of ‘Global Heart’, indicates that “now that we are aware of the association between periodontitis and coronary heart disease, we must emphasize the factors of common risk, such as smoking and poor diet», And also remember that« people with periodontitis should be informed about cardiovascular risk ».

 Very close collaboration

Both cardiovascular disease and periodontitis are chronic noncommunicable diseases. Periodontitis has a global overall prevalence of 45-50% and its severe form affects the 11.2% of the world population, which makes it the sixth human disease more common. On the other hand, the disease cardiovascular is responsible for 17.9 million of deaths per year worldwide (one third of all deaths), including 3.9 million in Europe (45% of all deaths), with ischemic heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure that cause heart failure as the main causes. Although mortality rates are decreasing, absolute numbers have increased in the last 25 years due to population aging.