A biochemical study to assess and correlate periodontal status in systemically healthy subjects and acute myocardial infarction patients

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: Periodontal disease as a low grade chronic infection is becoming a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to assess and correlate the periodontal status and serum lipid levels in healthy subjects and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Setting and Design: This case control study was conducted on 60 patients in the age range of 40-80 years. They were divided in two groups as follows group 1 ( n = 30): comprised of systemically healthy control subjects. Group 2 ( n = 30): Comprised of subjects with AMI with no other known systemic diseases. Methods and Materials: Periodontal status was recorded using gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. Serum lipid levels were measured and correlated with periodontal status. Results: Among the 60 patients analyzed in this study, 4 patients in the group 1 and 19 patients in group 2 were diagnosed with severe chronic periodontitis. Chi-square test yielded with P = 0.0002 which showed a statistical significance between the groups. Conclusion: Patients who experienced AMI exhibited poorer periodontal status in comparison to healthy subjects. This suggests an association between chronic periodontal infections and myocardial infarction.