Abstract

Several studies have sought to explain the possible causal relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to find evidence that periodontal treatment is associated with changes in lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular disease after a 12-month follow-up period. Eighty patients were selected and divided into 4 groups of 20 patients each, as follows: 2 groups of patients with cardiovascular disease and conventional periodontal treatment or full-mouth scaling and root planing; and 2 groups of patients without systemic involvement and conventional periodontal treatment or full-mouth scaling and root planing. The patients were evaluated by laboratory examinations and clinically evaluated for 12 months. Improvement in the clinical and lipid parameters in patients with cardiovascular disease was observed. The best results were obtained by mechanical control and full-mouth scaling and root planing. It may be concluded that periodontal treatment contributes to control the lipid levels, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Key words: Periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease, total cholesterol, triglycerides.