Taking heart from new research

NEW research, funded by the Heart Foundation, aims to enhance the success rates of surgeries for life-threatening heart rhythm disorders, thereby reducing the need for implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) among Australians.

Dr Pierre Qian from the University of Sydney is leading the study, which focuses on catheter ablation procedures. These procedures may prove ineffective if the scarring is too deep to be treated. The research aims to develop improved techniques to address arrhythmias caused by scar tissue formation after heart attacks.

The ultimate objective is to minimize the recurrence of arrhythmias following surgery, potentially sparing patients from the distressing and painful experience of ICD shocks. The findings of this study could have significant implications for improving outcomes and reducing the reliance on ICDs in the management of heart rhythm disorders.

In this month’s column, we explore the Connection Between Stroke and Dental Health.

Cerebrovascular ischemic strokes, characterized by a blockage within a blood vessel that supplies the brain, are the most common type of stroke.

These strokes occur as a result of obstructive factors, often in the form of blood clots, stemming from fatty deposits that line the walls of the blood vessels, leading to the hardening of arteries. Hardening of the arteries is a condition known to contribute to various health issues, with stroke ranking as the second most significant consequence after heart disease.

In fact, stroke continues to be the third leading cause of death in many developed countries, trailing only behind heart disease and cancer.

Research has uncovered an intriguing association between poor dental health and stroke risk.

Although some studies did not distinguish between hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke and ischemic stroke (clot-based), they discovered a strong correlation between periodontal disease (gum disease) and the incidence of stroke among United States veterans.

Typically, dentists prescribe antibiotic treatment to patients with abnormal heart valves to prevent bacterial infection known as subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) during dental procedures.

However, it’s important to note that even without dental interventions, poor dental hygiene and untreated periodontal diseases can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.

This risk is directly proportional to the extent of oral inflammation and infection, emphasizing the significance of maintaining good oral health.

In conclusion the connection between stroke and dental health is an emerging field of study, with evidence suggesting that periodontal disease and poor dental hygiene may contribute to an increased risk of stroke.

As stroke remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, understanding and addressing this association could have significant implications for public health.

Maintaining proper dental hygiene and seeking timely treatment for periodontal diseases may potentially help reduce the risk of stroke, promoting overall well-being

To book an appointment with Dr Johnston simply call Beerwah Dental 07 5494 0766 or visit www.beerwahdental.com.au to book online