Relation between oral health status and electrocardiograph ST segment changes

Oral cavity provides variety of surfaces for bacterial attachment and colonization. These bacteria can enter the circulatory system of the human body and become pathogenic. Thus chronic oral inflammations are regarded as a potent risk factor for systemic pathologies. According to literature classic risk factors only can explain half to two thirds of cardiovascular diseases and is believed that those with the worst oral health status are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Since in electrocardiograph changes in ST segment and serum CRP level are predictive of poor patient outcome, in this study the aim was to evaluate the possible relation between electrocardiograph ST segment changes, serum CRP level with oral health in determining the severity of cardiovascular disease. Method & materials: In this cross sectional study, thirty six patients with myocardial infarction were enrolled. Oral health indices DMFT,PPD,CAL and BOP were compared with serum C-reactive protein level and electrocardiograph ST segment changes. No statistically significant difference between PPD,BOP,CAL with serum CRP level was seen although a statistically significant difference was observed between CRP and DMFT. BOP and PPD revealed no statistically significant difference between two ST segment groups. Although CAL and number of fillings showed a statistically significant difference within ST segment groups. As results of this study shows it can be concluded that poor oral health may be linked to systemic pathologies but it cannot be a predictor of prognosis. Similar studies with more sample size is strongly recommended.