The periodontitis and intima–media thickness in patients with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease

Abstract

Background Periodontitis through the increase of pro inflammatoryand prothrombotic activity can significantlyaffect intima–media complex (IMT) which is an indicatorof early arteriosclerosis of arteries.The aim of the study was to examine periodontal status inpatients with hypertension and heart coronary disease andthe evaluation of the influence of periodontitis on IMTthickness in this group.

Material and methods The study group consisted of 67 patients,aged < 60, hospitalized due to stable angina pectoris(SAP). The patients with hypertension (35 patients) were isolatedout of the whole study group. The IMT thickness andarteriosclerotic plaques in carotid artery were evaluated by theultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique. The periodontalexamination included: approxymal plaque index (API),clinical attachment loss (CAL), pocket depth (PD), bleedingindex (BI) evaluation and the assessment of the teeth number.The correlation between periodontitis, arterial hypertensionand arteriosclerosis progression in arteries were analyzed.

Results In patients with arterial hypertension and coronaryheart disease more severe periodontitis and more advancedarteriosclerotic changes in carotid artery were found whencompared with patients without hypertension. In multivariatelogistic regression analysis poor oral hygiene and periodontaldisease were independently associated with IMT thickening.

Conclusions Periodontal disease independently effects theIMT thickness in patients with hypertension and coronarydisease. The prevention and treatment of periodontal diseaseshould be an integral part of the multidisciplinary procedurein patients with hypertension and coronary disease.