The Association between Oral Health and Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease in Patients submitted to Coronary Angiography: a Controlled Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Cardiovascular and periodontal diseases are common inflammatory conditions. In atherosclerosis, inflammation plays a continuous role in the development, destabilization, and rupture of atheromas. There is controversial scientific evidence regarding the association between chronic periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of this study was to assess the association between chronic periodontitis and CAD in this practice. Methods This was a cross-sectional controlled study of 206 patients with no prior CAD and for whom coronary angiography was indicated; the data included clinical history, physical examination and blood sample collection to test for blood glucose, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein levels. The presence of chronic periodontitis was determined by clinical examination performed by a periodontist. The levels of bacterial plaque, gingival calculus, bleeding, exudate, and classical signs of inflammation were recorded. Results The mean age was 60.3 ± 10.1 years, and 60.2% of the subjects were male. CAD was present in 126 patients (61.2%). There was an association between CAD and gender [male gender, odds ratio (OR) 2.18; P = 0.0075], age (61–70 years, OR 5.63; P = 0.0007), and educational level (higher educational level, OR 2.08; P = 0.02). Inflammatory biomarkers did not differ between the groups with and without CAD. Signs of inflammation and bacterial plaque were present in 88% of patients with CAD, slightly higher than the rate observed in patients without CAD. Poor oral health, as indicated by the loss of teeth, was more prevalent in patients with CAD. The number of missing teeth was 14 ± 6.4 and 11.9 ± 6.7 (P = 0.04) in patients with and without CAD, respectively. Conclusions There is an association between poor oral health and CAD.