Impact of Chronic Periodontitis on the angiographic severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Atherosclerosis affecting the entire arterial circulation, has many clinical manifestations named CVD that include: CHD, Stroke and PVD. Among these manifestations CHD is the most important. (Jukka et al. 2004) (Kuller et al. 1998)

In the last ten years, several epidemiological studies have assessed the association between oral infection and systemic diseases. These studies have provided support that oral infections, specifically periodontitis may confer idependent risks for different systemic conditions. (Renvert 2003)

Since CVD are the leading cause of death worldwide, greater attension has been focused on the evidence that infections of the oral cavity might be associated with atherothrombosis. The established risk factors for CVD include male gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking and dyslipidemia may explain at least partially the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many cases of CAD develop in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Periodontal disease, which involves gram-negative bacteria has been

reported to be a significant predictor of CHD.(Beck et al. 1996)

Chronic Periodontitis is characterized by inflammatory destruction of the alveolar bone as well as loss of the soft tissue attachment to the teeth. Once initiated, CP maintains a slowly progressive and destructive character with periods of exacerbation and remission. (Ranny 1991) Periodontitis constitutes an active lever for systemic subclinical inflammation enhancement and eventually contributes to endothelial and vascular dysfunction. Several epidemiological and case-control studies have indicated associations between CVD and CP. (Mor1rison et al. 1999) Contradictory conclusions have also been reported in tl;lat when controlling for one