Periodontal and cardiovascular health
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the World Heart Federation (WHF) have published a consensus report asserting that there is strong epidemiological evidence demonstrating independent associations between severe periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.
The report is the result of the Perio and Cardio Workshop 2019, a meeting of more than 20 representatives from the EFP and WHF, during which the latest research into links between the two diseases was discussed. Among the key findings were that patients with periodontal disease have a higher risk of suffering cardiovascular disease and that patients who already have both of these diseases are at a higher risk of suffering further cardiovascular complications.
“This workshop was a great opportunity for both cardiology and periodontal communities to review the scientific evidence behind these associations in a rigorous and unbiased manner”, commented Dr Mariano Sanz, professor and chair of periodontics at the Complutense University of Madrid and lead author of the consensus report.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Now that we are aware of the association between periodontitis and coronary heart disease, we need to emphasise risk factors such as smoking and poor diet,” added Dr Pablo Perel, senior science adviser at the WHF and professor of clinical epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s Centre for Global Chronic Conditions.
The report “Periodontal and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report”, was published in Global Heart and the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
From: eu.dental-tribune.com