Oral care for patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke.
BACKGROUND
The authors describe how oral disease, particularly periodontal disease, may place certain patients at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.


RESULTS
Although the precise mechanisms of interaction are not clear, two biological mechanisms that may explain the relationship are presented. In addition, the authors describe the dental management issues that need to be understood in treating patients compromised by cardiovascular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The patient with cardiovascular disease may present a challenge to the dental health care provider, depending on the degree of hemodynamic compromise and the stability of his or her condition.
Rose
Louis F
LF
MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, USA. dentalteam@speakeasy.net
Mealey
Brian
B
Minsk
Laura
L
Cohen
D Walter
DW
D000766:Anesthesia, Dental; D000787:Angina Pectoris; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D009203:Myocardial Infarction; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000925:Anticoagulants; D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents