Correlation of periodontal disease and risk markers for cardiovascular disease

Abstract

The correlation of periodontal disease and cardiovascular diseases has been recently investigated. Literature reports found plausible biological justifying to this association, although some studies failed to find such condition. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis are yet not well understood. Atherosclerosis, which could lead to myocardial or cerebral stroke, seems to have its formation influenced by acute and chronic inflammation. Among this conditions, periodontal disease, as an asymptomatic condition, would be able to influence the synthesis of acute phase proteins by the liver and alter the white blood cells counting. These events have been associated to the development of atherosclerosis and the identification of alterations in white blood cells countings and plasma levels of reactive C-protein have been suggested as risk markers of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the periodontal status of patients with history of previous or present cardiovascular disease, correlating the clinical findings with laboratorial exams to investigate white blood cell countings and C-reative protein plasma levels. A total of 30 patients with previous or present cardiovascular disease (test group) and 30 systemically healthy (control) patients will be included in the study. Periodontal status will be investigated according to probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, bleeding on probing and interproximal bone loss evaluated in periapical radiographs. All patients will be asked to perform laboratorial exams to investigate total white blood cells counting and sensitive C-reactive protein. The periodontal status of test and control groups will be evaluated according to t test. The correlation of clinical and laboratorial findings in both groups will be analyzed according to Pearson’s correlation test.