Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that oral diseases (periodontal diseases) and cardiovascular diseases not only share common risk factors, but that periodontal diseases themselves may constitute a risk factor for cardiovascular conditions.
In the Parocard project, Level 2 participants underwent a dental examination. The assessment aimed to distinguish between healthy participants, those with gingivitis, and those with inflamed periodontal tissue (periodontitis). Changes in oral health were to be clinically reassessed after four to five years during the follow-up examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO) and every two years via a validated questionnaire.
Additionally, the intima-media thickness (the inner wall thickness of the carotid artery) was measured to detect vascular changes (atherosclerosis). Other data, such as functional measurements of vascular elasticity—an important factor in assessing the risk of future cardiovascular disease—were also included in the analysis.
