The severity and extent of periodontitis is associated with cardio-ankle vascular index, a novel arterial stiffness parameter

Objectives To evaluate the association between the severity and extent of periodontitis and arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of 2888 Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) employees aged 44-78 years was conducted. The severity of periodontitis was evaluated based on mean clinical attachment level (CAL). The percentage of sites with CAL >= 5 mm was used to divide the extent of periodontitis into healthy (0%), localized (> 0-< 30%), and generalized (>= 30%). The CAVI value, a novel blood pressure-independent arterial stiffness parameter, was analyzed as both continuous and categorical data (low: < 9 or high: >= 9). Regression analysis was used to estimate the level of association. Results The participants demonstrated a mean CAL, % sites with CAL >= 5 mm, and a CAVI value of 3.2 +/- 1.2 mm, 16.0 +/- 20.8%, and 8.24 +/- 1.12, respectively. Higher mean CAVI was observed with greater mean CAL and % sites with CAL >= 5 mm. The mean CAVI of the healthy, localized, and generalized periodontitis groups were 8.01 +/- 1.11, 8.22 +/- 1.12, and 8.51 +/- 1.04, respectively (p < 0.01). Linear and logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between CAVI and all periodontal variables with beta = 0.004-0.17 and OR = 1.01-1.58, respectively. Conclusions There is a significant dose-dependent association between the severity and extent of periodontitis and arterial stiffness measured by CAVI in Thai adults.

Automated summary

The study found a significant dose-dependent association between the severity and extent of periodontitis and arterial stiffness measured by CAVI in Thai adults. Linear and logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between CAVI and all periodontal variables.