In a sample of 76 patients with cardiac disease, researchers discovered a connection between periodontitis and fibrosis scarring to a left atrial appendage that can cause atrial fibrillation (AF).

Gum disease called periodontitis can result in tooth loss, bleeding gums, and a number of other dental issues. Additionally, research indicates that it might also be connected to more severe health problems, like those that affect the heart.

According to research from Hiroshima University (Higashihiroshima, Japan), “periodontitis is associated with a long-standing inflammation, and inflammation plays a key role in atrial fibrosis progression and AF pathogenesis.” In an effort to better understand the connection between the severity of atrial fibrosis and clinical periodontitis status, the researchers tested their hypothesis that periodontitis exacerbates atrial fibrosis by histologically examining the left atrial appendages.