Periodontal disease, heart disease and stroke may seem to be unlikely related, but researchers have found that gum disease sufferers are nearly twice as likely to also suffer from coronary heart disease.  In addition, research studies have discovered that oral infection is indeed a risk factor for stroke.  People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were more likely to also be experiencing some degree of periodontal disease.

Coronary heart disease occurs when the walls of the coronary arteries become progressively thicker due to the buildup of fatty proteins (plaque).  The heart then suffers from a lack of oxygen and must labor significantly harder to pump blood to the rest of the body.  Coronary heart disease sufferers sometimes experience blood clots which obstruct normal blood flow and reduce the amount of vital nutrients and oxygen the heart needs to function properly.  This phenomenon often leads to heart attacks.

Reasons for the Connection

Research has shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease.  

There are several theories which may explain the link between heart disease, stroke and periodontal disease, which include the following:

• Oral bacteria affect the heart – There are many different strains of periodontal bacteria.  Researchers assert that some of these strains of bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels (coronary arteries).  This attachment then contributes to clot formation causing grave danger to the individual.
  
  
• Inflammation – Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases. Untreated periodontal disease can increase inflammation in the body, which may increase the risk for development of more severe health complication.  Research studies have also shown that elevated levels of C-reactive proteins (inflammatory marker) are present in both periodontitis and cardiovascular patients. 

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease and its relation to heart disease and stroke, please contact our office at (626) 280-8844.