What the study found
The study found that people with periodontitis had a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is a heart attack. The authors also report that worse periodontal inflammation and tissue damage were associated with higher AMI risk.
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. Two reviewers extracted data, assessed study quality with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and pooled odds ratios using a random-effects model.
What worked and what didn't
Across 17 studies with 146,001 participants and 3,199 AMI cases, periodontitis was associated with increased AMI risk (pooled OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.51–2.23). Sensitivity analyses supported the result, and the trim-and-fill method gave a consistent adjusted estimate despite detected publication bias (adjusted OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03–1.55). Subgroup analyses linked bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, probing depth, radiographic bone loss, and remaining bone height with AMI risk.
What to keep in mind
The abstract notes substantial heterogeneity (I² = 83.3%) and detected publication bias. The evidence comes from observational studies, so the available summary does not establish causality.
Key points
- A meta-analysis of 17 observational studies found periodontitis was associated with higher AMI risk.
- The pooled estimate for AMI risk was OR = 1.84, with 95% CI = 1.51–2.23.
- Sensitivity analyses were reported to confirm the robustness of the finding.
- Publication bias was detected, but a trim-and-fill analysis still showed a consistent association.
- Several periodontal measures, including bleeding on probing and radiographic bone loss, were associated with AMI risk.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Periodontitis is linked 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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