Podcast 152: Gum disease and atherosclerosis — evidence for an association, but not for a cause-and-effect

The American Heart Association’s scientific statement on “Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease” is likely to raise hackles among those offering treatments for gum disease as a way to lower risk for heart disease — or even to ameliorate it. The association’s writing committee, after a 4-year review of the evidence, finds no support for such treatments and calls any assertions to the contrary “unwarranted.” We interview the Dr. Peter Lockhart, co-chair of the AHA’s committee. Links: American Heart Association statement (free) The post Podcast 152: Gum disease and atherosclerosis — evidence for an association, but not for a cause-and-effect first appeared on Clinical Conversations.