What the study found
The review found that periodontitis was associated with a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI, a heart attack). The association appeared stronger for several measures of periodontal disease severity, including bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, probing depth, radiographic bone loss, and remaining bone height.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these findings highlight the importance of integrated prevention strategies for oral and cardiovascular health. They also say prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm causality.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. They searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through September 25, 2025, and included observational studies on periodontitis and AMI.
What worked and what didn't
Seventeen studies with 146,001 participants and 3,199 AMI cases were included. The pooled estimate showed a significantly increased AMI risk in people with periodontitis (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.51–2.23), and sensitivity analyses supported the result; publication bias was detected, but trim-and-fill analysis still showed a consistent association (adjusted OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.55).
What to keep in mind
The available summary describes observational studies, so it cannot establish cause and effect. The meta-analysis also reported substantial heterogeneity (I² = 83.3%) and publication bias, although adjusted analyses remained consistent.
Key points
- Periodontitis was associated with a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction.
- The pooled odds ratio for AMI was 1.84 in people with periodontitis.
- Several periodontal severity measures were also associated with AMI risk, including BOP, CAL, PD, RBL, and RBH.
- Sensitivity analyses supported the main finding.
- Publication bias was detected, but trim-and-fill analysis still showed an association.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Periodontitis is associated with higher acute myocardial infarction risk
- Authors:
- Lei Li, Huan Wu, Li Peng, Tao Xu
- Institutions:
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou University, Guizhou University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-30
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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