Effects of Periodontitis on Heart Rate Variability

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with systemic inflammatory burden and possible alterations in autonomic nervous system regulation. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used as a noninvasive method to assess autonomic modulation and may reflect sympathovagal imbalance associated with inflammatory conditions. This case-control study aims to investigate the association between periodontitis and autonomic modulation assessed by HRV parameters. In addition, the study will evaluate the association between periodontal clinical parameters, HRV indices, and plasma levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers. Participants with and without periodontitis will undergo periodontal examination, HRV assessment, and blood sample collection for inflammatory marker analyses.