Periodontal Infection As A Risk Factor For Atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular disease, which is primarily associated with atherosclerosis, remains one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Age, male gender, smoking, systemic hypertension, plasma fibrinogen, white blood cell count, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia are the main risk factors for atherosclerosis. The initiation of atherosclerotic plaque is ascribed to the focal accumulation of lipids. This explains the importance of plasma lipids in the development of atherosclerosis. Other reports have focussed on the role of infection as an additional etiologic factor in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Over the years, studies have pointed out a possible association between periodontal disease and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Thus, periodontitis and cardiovascular disease may share common risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, behavioral factors, aging, and male gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]