The association between periodontitis and myocardial infarction is well documented. Spanish researchers believe that chronic periodontitis could be considered a predictor in the development of myocardial infarction. (Image: decade3d - custom anatomy/Shutterstock)

Jan 16, 2015 | News Europe

GRANADA, Spain: The relationship between periodontitis and heart attack has been investigated to some extent; however, it has not been established whether the extent of periodontitis influences the infarct size. Researchers from the University of Granada have now demonstrated that the extent and severity of chronic periodontitis is indeed related to the size of acute myocardial infarct.

For their study, they surveyed 112 patients who had suffered acute myocardial infarction. These patients underwent a series of cardiological, biochemical and periodontal health checks and tests. Using serum levels of troponin I and myoglobin, which are biomarkers of myocardial necrosis, as well as the data obtained for each patient, the researchers found that the extent and severity of periodontitis is positively associated with acute myocardial infarct size.

According to Prof. Francisco Mesa Aguado from the university’s department of periodontics, “chronic periodontitis appears as a death risk factor and it plays an important role in the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction”. The researchers pointed out that it is necessary to conduct follow-up checks with periodontal patients who have suffered myocardial infarction in order to determine the severity, or lack of it, of their clinical evolution (new coronary events, cardiac failure or even death).

“If that happens to be the case, chronic periodontitis should be considered as a predictor in the development of myocardial infarction, and therefore be included in the risk stratification scores,” said Mesa Aguado.

The study, titled “Acute myocardial infarct size is related to periodontitis extent and severity”, was published in the October 2014 issue of the Journal of Dental Research.V