Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease Continuum – An Observational Study amongst the Cardiologists

Periodontal disease (gum and bone disease) has a high-risk association with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to understand the cardiologist’s awareness and knowledge about periodontal disease and its high-risk association with CVD in clinical practice. An observational study was undertaken among 475 cardiologists. A validated questionnaire was sent to the participants wherein the respondent demographic characteristics, awareness about the periodontal disease, and information about their clinical practice were recorded. Descriptive analysis was done for the collected data and was described using frequency counts and percentages. The association between categorical variables was done by Pearson’s Chi-square test. The response rate for the study was 93%. Fifty percent of the study participants were regular for their dental visits and were informed about their periodontal health status. 64.2% referred dental consultation for elective cardiac procedure while 25% referred only occasionally otherwise. Sixty-six percent of the cardiologists agreed on inflammation being the key factor between CVD and periodontitis. Sixty-four percent agreed on control of periodontal infection being significant in the treatment of CVD. Eighty-four percent of cardiologists were in favor of including an oral and periodontal examination as a part of routine patient cardiology assessments. Our study concluded that the cardiologists had a good knowledge of oral health and oral-systemic link. However, the dental referral by the cardiologist did not correspond to their awareness rate. Integrated collaborative clinical practice between cardiac care provider and periodontist is key for holistic management.