Thrombus Formation Increases with Systemic Inflammation

Posted on October 19th, 2009 | In Word Of Mouth

Recent research is shedding light on the mechanism of action for thrombus formation, and how it is caused by elevations in systemic inflammation. Dentists and Physicians should help patients to decrease all sources of chronic systemic inflammation causes.

Thrombus Formation Increases with Systemic Inflammation

CRP causes rupturing of heart vessels and thrombus formation.

Scientists are now in agreement that systemic inflammation promotes the development and progression of vascular plaque formations. In fact, inflammation plays a central role as a determinant of the pathophysiology underlying acute thrombotic cardiovascular events. In addition to the local effects of inflammation in the plaque itself, systemic aspects of inflammation upsetting the homeostatic balance, increase thrombotic risk. CRP promotes matrix degradation and may thus contribute to vascular plaque vulnerability (a). Plaque disruptions have a greater chance to produce an occlusive thrombus under such conditions (b).

This means as inflammatory proteins thin the plaque cap of the endothelial lining and promote rupturing of the plaque, tissue factors are released into the blood stream which promote clotting factors and the production of occlusive thrombus formation, either at the site of vascular injury, or downstream (c).

The fact that the easily measured CRP marker signals the presence of inflammation present somewhere in the body means that physicians and dentists should be particularly attuned to testing for it and investigating its cause. Because chronic oral infections are known to contribute to elevations in systemic inflammation, every effort should be made to treat this modifiable condition.

a- Williams TN, et.al., Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2004;24:61. b- Libby P. Circulation. 2001;104:365. c- Peter Libby MD, Scientific American, May 2002, p50-59.

Important Points:

• Thrombus formation due to plaque rupture.
• Inflammation destabilizes blood vessels.
• Heart disease impacted by chronic infections.
• Gum infections should be eliminated and controlled

Dr. David Weaver
Rivergate Dental Care
133 North Creek Blvd.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: 888.411.SEDATE
Fax: 615.851.3535

Non-hemorrhagic Strokes Linked to Gum Diseases

Posted on October 19th, 2009 | In Word Of Mouth

Current literature establishes the link between chronic oral infections and cardiovascular disease, including cerebrovascular disease-strokes. Physicians and dentists should help clear up causes of systemic inflammation in at-risk patients.

Non-hemorrhagic Strokes Linked to Gum Diseases

Gum disease is linked to strokes via systemic inflammation.

The available evidence is beginning to present compelling evidence that periodontal disease is a risk factor for atherosclerosis (a). Due to systemic inflammation and its pervasive effects on endothelial dysfunction throughout the body, cerebrovascular accidents such as occlusive strokes have been investigated for its relationship to periodontal disease.

It has been discovered that people with gum infections are more likely to have thickened carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke (b).

This new field of study is concluding that there is a relationship between oral conditions such as chronic oral infections, and ischemic stroke and peripheral vascular disease (c).

Sufficient evidence exists to conclude that gum disease places patients at risk of experiencing strokes (d), suggesting that periodontal disease is an important risk marker (e), if not risk factor, for overall CVA and in particular, non-hemorrhagic stroke (f).

a- Beck JD. Ann Periodontol. 1998 Jul;3(1):127-41. b- Elkind M, Columbia Univ. N.Y. @ American Academy of Neurology 51st annual meeting Toronto CA, 4/21/1999. c- Joshipura K. J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 133, No suppl_1, 23S-30S. d- Rose LF, et.al. J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 133, No suppl_1, 37S-44S. e- Lee HJ, et.al. Journal of Perio, 2006, Vol. 77, No. 10, pp.1744-1754. f- Wu T, et al. Arch Intern Med.?2000;160:2749-2755.

Important Points:

• Strokes and high CRP levels are related.
• Gum disease is linked to cerebrovascular disease.
• Physicians and Dentists should remove causes for elevations in systemic inflammation

Dr. David Weaver
Rivergate Dental Care
133 North Creek Blvd.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Phone: 888.411.SEDATE
Fax: 615.851.3535