Periodontal Disease, Recurrent Coronary Heart Disease Events in Myocardial Infarction Patients

Title: Periodontal Disease and Recurrent CHD Events in MI Patients

Principal Investigator: Maurizio Trevisan, MD, MS

Funding Agency: NIH

Period: 09/01/00 - 06/30/07

Abstract: We propose to analyze the association between periodontal disease and recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in individuals who have survived a myocardial infarction (MI). The overall goal is to test the hypothesis that periodontal disease is a significant and independent risk factor for recurrent CHD events. In addition, we will investigate potential mechanisms linking periodontal disease to CHD events. At baseline, 1,200 participants will undergo a detailed interview and health examination that includes information on a number of lifestyle, socio-demographic and anthropometric variables and CVD risk factors, and a complete oral health examination including measurement of clinical attachment levels and radiographic assessment of interproximal alveolar crestal height. There are two specific aims:

  • The primary aim is to examine the association between recurrent heart disease and periodontal disease, as measured by gingival clinical attachment level or radiographic assessment of interproximal alveolar crestal height.
  • The secondary aim is to examine the association between recurrent heart disease and periodontal disease, as measured by levels of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Campylobacter rectus, Capnocytophaga species, Eubacterium saburreum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prophyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus sanguis. To determine recurrent coronary heart disease, participants will be followed on a yearly basis for an average of three years. Recurrent CHD events will be ascertained and validated according to a specific and standardized protocol. The proposed study will provide information on the temporal association between periodontal disease and CHD, and will allow us to investigate important etiological mechanisms that link this chronic infection to heart disease.