Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries) is a disease where the walls of the arteries leading to the heart gradually thicken due to the build-up of fatty proteins. Often blood clots form in these narrowed arteries and the normal blood flow to the heart can become obstructed. The normal function of the heart then becomes compromised and this may lead to a heart attack.

Researchers have found that that bacteria found in people with gum disease can enter the bloodstream, attach to the fatty deposits and may contribute to the clogging of these arteries. Furthermore, researchers have found that people with gum disease at TWICE as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. The current data leads medical researchers to believe that periodontal gum disease is an important risk factor for heart disease, along with the other risk factors such as age, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Many medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, especially Procardia and Cardizem will also make a person more prone to getting gum disease as these medications will cause enlargement of the gums leading to difficulty in properly cleaning your teeth.

Some heart medications make patients more prone to getting gum diseases and gum disease seems to make patients more prone to heart disease. It is important that both your physician and periodontist work together to identify these potential problems and treat them accordingly.