Periodontitis and its association with left ventricular geometry and function

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between periodontal status and cardiac structural and functional status, with a focus on left ventricular (LV) geometry and function. The primary research question addressed whether indicators of periodontal disease are linked to markers of LV remodelling. Materials and MethodsData were drawn from two population-based cohorts in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP): SHIP-START-2 (n=2333) and SHIP-TREND-0 (n=4420). Periodontal status was assessed by bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), number of missing teeth, and the 2018 EFP/AAP classification. LV geometry (end-diastolic/systolic volume, mass, wall thickness) and function (ejection fraction, stroke volume, E/E ratio, left atrium diameter) were evaluated using echocardiography in confounder-adjusted regression analyses. ResultsMean PD, CAL, and number of missing teeth were positively associated with end-diastolic volume (PD: {beta}=0.44; 95%CI: 0.13-0.74; CAL: {beta}=0.21; 95%CI: 0.07-0.36; teeth: {beta}=0.06; 95%CI: 0.03-0.09), end-systolic volume (PD: {beta}=0.21; 95%CI: 0.05- 0.37; CAL: {beta}=0.12; 95%CI: 0.05-0.20; teeth: {beta}=0.03; 95%CI: 0.02-0.05), and LV mass (PD: {beta}=1.31; 95%CI: 0.58-2.03; CAL: {beta}=0.52; 95%CI: 0.18-0.86; teeth: {beta}=0.17; 95%CI: 0.10-0.24). Values increased across periodontitis stages (p for trend <0.05). Stage IV was associated with reduced ejection fraction ({beta}=-1.28; 95%CI: -2.45 to -0.12). Other functional markers showed no significant associations. ConclusionPeriodontitis is linked to cardiac remodelling, particularly increased LV volume and mass. Clinical RelevanceFindings support integrating periodontal health into cardiovascular risk management and highlight the need for further research.