EFP and ESC join forces to explore links between periodontitis and cardiovascular health

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The EFP and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) held a joint session for the first time at the ESC Congress, which took place this year in Munich, Germany from 28 to 31 August.

The joint session “Does the mouth matter to the heart? Periodontitis as a cardiovascular risk factor” was held on 31 August, from 14:15 to 15:15.

Bringing together experts from periodontology and cardiology, the session explored the evidence linking periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, from the role of inflammation in coronary artery disease to the question of association versus causation. It also considered how oral health could be better integrated into cardiovascular risk assessment and patient care.

The session was moderated by Andreas Stavropoulos, EFP treasurer and past president, and ESC president Thomas Lüscher. Speakers included Mia Rakić, EFP president, Marta Czesnikiewicz-Guzik, periodontist, alongside leading cardiovascular expert Peter Libby.

“The session marked an important step in the collaboration between the EFP and the ESC and reflects increasing recognition of the need for closer dialogue between oral-health and medical professionals. Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases share several risk factors and inflammatory mechanisms, highlighting the value of a more integrated approach to health,” said Mia Rakić.

The joint session with the ESC builds on the EFP’s longstanding collaboration with the cardiovascular community. In 2019 the EFP partnered with the World Heart Federation (WHF) for the Perio Cardio workshop. This led to a scientific consensus that formed the base for the Perio & Cardio campaign launched in 2020 to raise awareness about the links between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases and promote their prevention and management. While the ESC is a medical society bringing together cardiovascular healthcare professionals and national cardiac societies, the WHF is a broad global federation of more than 200 scientific societies, heart foundations and patient associations, with a strong focus on global cardiovascular health and advocacy.

By bringing together two leading societies in their respective fields for the first time, the joint EFP–ESC session marks an important step towards strengthening collaboration between the periodontal and cardiovascular communities.

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