Relationship between periodontitis and risk of cardiovascular disease: Insights from the Tromsø Study

Abstract Background Few large‐scale studies have investigated the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular risk estimated by risk assessment models; moreover, this association remains unexplored in never‐smokers. We aimed to examine the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascul...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Periodontology
Main Authors: Petrenya, Natalia, Hopstock, Laila Arnesdatter, Holde, Gro Eirin, Oscarson, Nils, Jönsson, Birgitta
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2022
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jper.22-0004
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/JPER.22-0004
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1002/JPER.22-0004
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Few large‐scale studies have investigated the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular risk estimated by risk assessment models; moreover, this association remains unexplored in never‐smokers. We aimed to examine the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular risk in a Norwegian general population, with a focus on never‐smokers and the impact of sex and age. Methods The present study included 2623 participants from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø7, 2015–2016), aged 45–74 years, and without previous myocardial infarction or stroke. Periodontitis was defined according to the 2017 American Academy of Periodontology and the European Federation of Periodontology classification system. Participants were categorized by grade based on percentage bone loss/age as no periodontitis/Grade A (low progression rate) and Grade B/C (moderate‐rapid progression rate). Low, medium, and high cardiovascular risk was defined based on the Norwegian risk model NORRISK 2. We used ordered logistic regression analysis to examine the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular risk, adjusting for education, toothbrushing frequency, body mass index, and diabetes. Subanalyses included stratification by sex and age (45‒54, 55‒64, 65‒74 years) and a separate analysis of never‐smokers. Results Periodontitis Grade B/C was associated with higher cardiovascular risk than no periodontitis/Grade A (odds ratio [OR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75‒2.61). This association was significant in both men and women, all age groups, and never‐smokers. However, when never‐smokers were stratified by age, the association remained significant only in those aged 65–74 years (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.50‒5.99). Conclusion Periodontitis Grade B/C was associated with higher cardiovascular risk overall, and in never‐smokers aged 65–74 years.