Data from a prospective, non-randomized study indicate that treatment for periodontal disease can reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing ablation. This finding suggests that periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for AF.

A total of 288 patients with AF who were scheduled to undergo radiofrequency catheter ablation were prospectively enrolled in the single-centre study. All the patients underwent measurement of their periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). Eligible patients were recommended to undergo periodontal treatment during the blanking period before ablation, and 97 participants consented. During follow-up (mean 507 days after ablation), AF recurred in 24% of the 288 patients, and patients with AF recurrence had a significantly higher PISA than those who did not have AF recurrence. In the group of patients with a high PISA, those who received periodontal treatment were significantly less likely to have AF recurrence than those who did not receive periodontal treatment.