Genetic Link: Gum Disease to Heart Attacks

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Genetic Link: Gum Disease to Heart Attacks

 

A genetic link between dental disease and heart attacks has been found

by

German researchers. Gum disease - periodontitis - is known to be

associated

with heart disease but how exactly they are linked is unknown.

 

Now the University of Kiel team has found a common gene mutation in

people

with periodontitis and heart attack patients, a conference heard. Study

leader Dr Arne Schaefer said gum disease should be taken very seriously

and

treated as early as possible.

 

Both coronary heart disease (CHD) and periodontitis are associated with

the same risk factors - most importantly smoking, diabetes and obesity.

Researchers have shown similarities between the bacteria found in the

oral

cavity and those in coronary plaques and both diseases are characterised

by an

imbalanced immune reaction and chronic inflammation.

 

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