BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular and periodontal diseases are common inflammatory conditions. In atherosclerosis, inflammation plays a continuous role in the development, destabilization and rupture of atheromas. There is controversial scientific evidence regarding the association between chronic periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of this study was to assess the association between chronic periodontitis and CAD in our practice. METHODS: Cross-sectional controlled study including 206 patients without prior CAD and with a clinical indication for coronary angiography, undergoing history, physical examination and blood sample collection to test blood glucose, lipid profile and C-reactive protein. The presence of chronic periodontitis was determined by clinical examination performed by a periodontist, evaluating the amount of bacterial plaque, gingival calculus, bleeding, exudate and classical signs of inflammation. RESULTS: Mean age was 60.3 + 10.1 years and 60.2% were males. CAD was present in 126 patients (61.2%). There was an association of CAD with gender [male gender, odds ratio (OR) 2.18; P = 0.0075], age (61-70 years, OR 5.63; P = 0.0007) and education (higher education, OR 2.08; P = 0.02). Inflammatory biomarkers did not differ between the groups with and without CAD. Signs of inflammation and bacterial plaque were present in 88% of patients with CAD, slightly higher than the rate found in patients without CAD. Poor oral health, represented by loss of teeth, was more prevalent in patients with CAD. The number of missing teeth was 14 + 6.4 and 11.9 + 6.7 (P = 0.04) in patients with and without CAD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between poor oral health and CAD.
Periodontitis; Cardiovascular diseases; Atherosclerosis; Myocardial ischemia; Oral health
