Association between chronic periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk factor hyperlipidemia

Background: Periodontal disease is one of the major reasons for tooth loss. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic infections, such as periodontitis, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) possibly through providing a systemic inflammation and found that 25% to 50% increase in risk of CVD for those with periodontitis when compared to those with no or minimal periodontitis. Aim: To evaluate the association between chronic periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk factor such as hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted among the patients who came to the out-patient department. Fifty subjects including both males and females were selected by systematic random method, and community periodontal index was recorded on all subjects. Subjects were divided in to healthy group (controls) and chronic periodontitis group (cases) based on presence/ absence of loss of attachment. Blood samples were collected from all subjects for the measurement of lipid profile in the serum. Results: Mean total cholesterol values in controls and cases were 190.44 and 200.64, which were not statistically significant between the groups. Mean LDL cholesterol values in controls and cases were 110.96 and 136.64, which were statistically increased in cases ( P = 0.003). Mean HDL cholesterol values in controls and cases were 61.60 and 49.28, which were statistically higher in controls ( P = 0.041). Conclusion: Chronic periodontitis patients may have high risk of getting cardiovascular diseases since cardiovascular risk factors such as total cholesterol and LDL are associated with periodontitis.