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 β = 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. Clinical relevance: Preventing arterial stiffness, an early sign of cardiovascular events, by controlling the emerging risk factors, such as periodontitis, might have a high impact on health promotion.