Cardiovascular disease, periodontitis, and the monocyte relationship

To the EditorOne investigative approach to linking periodontal disease to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders is demonstrating a shared risk factor with the potential for actually mediating cardiovascular disease. In this regard, the Buhlin et al.,1 report comparing cardiovascular risk factors between patients with severe periodontal disease (without known history of cardiovascular disorders) and healthy individuals suggests discovery of an important relationship. Their meticulous and innovative investigation discloses that a unique haematological index, the peripheral blood monocyte count, associates strongly with severe periodontal disease. Yet the investigators dismiss any potential for clinical relevance of this finding on the …