Overview
Periodontitis or gum disease is a severe gum infection that typically damages the soft tissues leading to bone destruction supporting your teeth. Several studies suggest that people experiencing periodontitis have a higher risk of undergoing major cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks. Here in this blog, we will share the relationship between gum diseases and heart diseases. Additionally, we will cover some of the most common types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options for heart diseases.
Summary
- Periodontitis or gum disease is caused by bacteria, as it triggers an inflammatory response that regularly consumes bone or soft tissue.
- There is a clear relationship between gum disease and a broad range of conditions that causes inflammation, heart disease, respiratory disease, and cancer.
- Several studies report that gum infection results in enhanced arterial inflammation, which causes cardiovascular issues.
- The authors hypothesize that local inflammation associated with gum disease is responsible for activating and mobilizing the bone marrow’s immune cells. These cells, in return, trigger inflammation in the arteries.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, heart disease is one of the primary reasons for deaths in the U.S.
- Some of the most common types of heart diseases may include coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Relationship Between Periodontitis and Heart Diseases
Periodontitis is a severe infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. It is known as gingivitis in the early stages, in which the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. If not treated immediately, the gums may start to recede from the teeth, resulting in bone destruction and, eventually, tooth loss.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria, as it triggers an inflammatory response that regularly deteriorates bone or soft tissue. Dentists highly recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush to prevent plaque development and reduce the chance of having gum disease. To remove the growth of plaque under the gum line, they also suggest undergoing debridement and scaling twice a year.
A close relationship exists between gum disease and a broad range of conditions that causes inflammation, heart disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. Several studies reveal that people suffering from periodontitis have a higher risk of encountering significant cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks. Another study reports that gum infection results in enhanced arterial inflammation, which causes cardiovascular issues.
Ongoing Inflammation Causes Heart Diseases
Some studies have revealed that people with bone loss symptoms from previous gum infection but no continuous inflammation are not at a high risk of developing heart diseases.
For a detailed study, a team of researchers has examined PET and CT scans of about 304 people for inflammation symptoms linked with gum disease and artery inflammation. These scans were performed for different purposes, often during cancer screening. Around four years later, the same follow-up scans were performed, which revealed that 13 people were diagnosed with major cardiovascular development.
These associations are statistically significant, though the scientists and researchers had also considered other associated factors with gum disease and heart disease, involving smoking, age, sex, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal dyslipidemia levels of fat in the blood.
Primed Immune Cells
The authors hypothesize that local inflammation linked with gum disease is responsible for activating and mobilizing the bone marrow’s immune cells. These cells will, in return, trigger inflammation in the arteries.
But, further studies are required to confirm previous findings. The authors of the present study expect researchers to examine whether arterial inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk will reduce by treating gum disease or not.
Heart Disease – Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options
Heart disease refers to any condition that affects your heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, heart disease is one of the primary reasons for deaths in the U.S. According to an estimate, around 1 in 4 deaths in the United States happen due to heart diseases. It has many associated types which can be prevented by taking necessary precautionary measures. Here we will share insightful information regarding types, causes, and symptoms of heart diseases.
Types of Heart Disease
There are numerous types of heart disease, affecting the heart in various ways. Some of them may include:
- Coronary Artery Disease
One of the most common types of heart disease is coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease. It starts developing just after plaque clogged the arteries that are responsible for the blood supply to the heart. It causes a reduction in the blood supply, and ultimately less oxygen and fewer nutrients will reach the heart. In the meantime, the heart muscle becomes weak, and the risk of heart failure and arrhythmias increases.
- Heart Failure
One of the types of heart failure is congestive heart failure. In this type, your heart will still work but not in an efficient way. It may occur due to untreated coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and several other conditions. All these events affect the heart’s ability to pump correctly. It can be life-threatening, but getting proper treatment at an early stage can help prevent complications.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Symptoms of heart disease vary depending upon its types. But some of the heart conditions cause no signs at all. Here are some major symptoms that may cause you a heart problem:
- Angina, or chest pain.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Fatigue.
- Swelling due to edema or fluid retention.
- Arm, jaw, back, or leg pain.
Failure of the heart may lead to a cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops working and your body no longer functions properly. You need immediate treatment if you are feeling any of the signs of a heart attack.
Causes of Heart Diseases
Heart disease occurs due to damage to all or part of the heart. A problem may appear in the blood vessels leading to the heart. Your heart may get a low supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing heart diseases. In some cases, it may be genetic and exist in the family. Other major reasons for heart diseases may include:
- High blood pressure.
- High stress and anxiety levels.
- Diabetes.
- Smoking.
- Overweight and obesity.
- High cholesterol.
- A family history of heart disease.
- Dietary choices.
- Age.
- A high intake of alcohol.
- A history of preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Available Treatment Options for Heart Diseases
The treatment options for heart disease depend on the type that patients are experiencing. But some of the most common options may include:
- Changes in lifestyle.
- Medications.
- Surgery.
Heart disease is considered the most common health care problem in the U.S. But it can be prevented by following a healthful diet, getting plenty of exercise, and seeking advice from your healthcare specialists when the first symptoms of heart disease appear.
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