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Aarthi Fernandez, BDS, MPH, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Center for Health Sciences, 10833 Le Conte Av Box 951668, Los Angeles, CA 90095, 310-876-0152, aarthiclaudia@msn.com, Saba Masho, MD, DrPH, Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1008 E. Clay Street, Grant House, P. O. Box 980212, Richmond, VA 23298, and Jeffrey Roger, DDS, PhD, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 300C Wood Building, P. O. Box 980566, Richmond, VA 23298.
Purpose - Heart disease remains the leading cause of death and recent studies have found an association between chronic infections and myocardial events. This study examines the association between periodontal diseases and heart attack using the NHANES III dataset.
Methods- 18,570 subjects who were 20 years or older with at least 7 natural teeth in each arch were included in the study. A history of non-fatal heart attack was recorded from the medical questionnaire. History of periodontal disease included gingivitis, probing pocket depth, and mean attachment loss levels. Unadjusted odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated to assess the association between heart attack and periodontal disease. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to adjust for extraneous factors.
Results- Gingivitis was found to be a significant risk factor for non-fatal heart attack [OR= 1.95, 95% CI (1.02,3.71)]. The risk of non-fatal heart attack was higher among non-Hispanic Blacks, Mexican Americans, males, over 50 years of age, with history of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesteromia. However, no statistical significant association was found with probing pocket depth or mean attachment loss.
Conclusion-The findings of this study suggest that periodontal disease particularly gingivitis, is a significant risk factor for non-fatal heart attack. Concerns do remain about the nature of association between oral and cardiovascular diseases. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of gingivitis and its role in heart attack.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, the participants will be able to
Keywords: Heart Disease, Oral Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.