Which of the following systemic conditions has been linked to periodontal disease?

Cardiovascular disease has been established as being linked to periodontal disease through a variety of mechanisms. Research has shown that the inflammatory processes associated with periodontal disease can contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular conditions. The bacteria present in periodontal infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and contributing to atherosclerosis, which is a key factor in heart disease.

Additionally, the immune response to periodontal pathogens can result in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can affect vascular health and may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The connection is supported by various longitudinal studies that observe an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in individuals with periodontal disease compared to those with healthy periodontium.

In contrast, while obesity, asthma, and chronic kidney disease may have associations with periodontal disease, the link is not as strongly established as it is with cardiovascular disease. Obesity can contribute to inflammatory responses that may affect periodontal health, and chronic kidney disease can be influenced by periodontal infections, but the definitive connections found in literature are more robust concerning cardiovascular disease.