Evaluation of association between periodontitis and early carotid atherosclerosis – A clinico-biochemical study

Background & Objectives: A mechanism has been proposed whereby periodontitis contributes to the process of thermogenesis and thromboembolic events. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the association between periodontitis and early carotid atherosclerosis in systemically healthy individuals. Material and Method: Sixty patients aged between 18–50 years, with BMI ranging between 25-30 kg/m2 and systemically healthy were included in the study. Based on the clinical parameters subjects were grouped into test group and control group. All the patients were subjected for blood investigations to assess lipid profile and ultrasonography of common carotid artery to assess the Intima Media Thickness. Descriptive statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study. Results: Data analysis showed that subjects with periodontitis from test group had statistically significant increase in Carotid Intima Media Thickness when compared to the subjects without periodontitis from control group. It was found that in test group the values of Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were higher than values found in control group. However significant differences were observed only with triglycerides and VLDL levels. Conclusion: Periodontitis is associated with increased carotid IMT showing early carotid atherosclerosis.