Heart Disease

Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

Infective endocarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lining of the heart and heart valves, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Heart valves that have been damaged or are abnormal are at high risk for infective endocarditis, although infection can also occur in normal valves when a large number of bacteria present. Researchers believe that when an individual is diagnosed with periodontal disease, a task as normal as chewing or brushing can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria from the bloodstream.

The accumulation of this bacterium in the heart valves, usually leads to a fatal infection, unless treated. The coronary artery disease is another type of cardiovascular disease in which the walls of the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) gradually thicken by the accumulation of fat protein.

Usually, blood clots form in these narrow coronary arteries and normal activity of the blood flow is obstructed, depriving the heart of the nutrients and oxygen needed for proper operation. Currently, scientists believe the bacteria found in the oral cavity entering the bloodstream, it attaches to the fatty plaques and may contribute to clot formation. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are at double risk of coronary artery disease compared with those who do not suffer.

Current data leads scientists to believe that periodontal disease represents a major risk factor for heart disease, along with other risk factors such as age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol in the blood.

According to the American Heart Association (American Heart Association) and the National Clearinghouse on Women's Health (National Women's Health Information Center), heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death among adults Hispanic:

• Heart disease and stroke are 26.9 percent of deaths among Hispanic men - more than cancer and AIDS combined.
• Heart disease and stroke are 33.3 percent of all deaths among Hispanic women - more than cancer, diabetes, pneumonia and influenza combined.
• Between 43 and 52 percent of Hispanic women have cholesterol levels above the desired (240 mg / dL).

With the increased risk of heart health problems, including hypertension, heart disease and stroke, Hispanic Americans are to carry out preventive measures against both heart disease and periodontal disease. A Hispanic Americans are advised to talk with their dentist or periodontist about evaluation periodontal and preventive steps to maintain good oral health.