Tooth loss is independently associated with the risk of acquired aortic valve sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease and atherosclerosis are associated. Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) represents the sum of processes that are similar to the development of atherosclerosis. The present analysis was performed to investigate associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and AVS.


METHODS
The population-based SHIP was conducted in northeast Germany. A study population of 2341 individuals aged > or =45 years was available for the present analysis. Aortic valve sclerosis was determined by echocardiography. Periodontal status was assessed by attachment loss and tooth loss.


RESULTS
The prevalence of AVS was 29.9%. Logistic regression analyses did not reveal attachment loss as an independent risk factor for AVS. However, a reduced number of teeth was independently associated with AVS. Other risk factors for AVS were age, history of myocardial infarction, body mass index, pulse pressure, plasma fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a) levels, and the use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system.


CONCLUSIONS
A reduced number of teeth was independently associated with the risk of AVS. This finding further strengthens the link between oral health and cardiovascular disorders.
Völzke
Henry
H
Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany. voelzke@uni-greifswald.de
Schwahn
Christian
C
Hummel
Astrid
A
Wolff
Birger
B
Kleine
Volker
V
Robinson
Daniel M
DM
Dahm
Johannes B
JB
Felix
Stephan B
SB
John
Ulrich
U
Kocher
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012598:Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology*