Incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection and Heart Disease

Heliobacter pylori is a bacteria that can cause gastric pain, ulcers nausea and vomiting. It is found in 50% of the world's population. Untreated this bacteria increases the risk of developing cancer. Increased use of proton-pump-inhibitors (like Prilosec) have led to an increase in gastritis. H. pylori is also strongly associated with increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Research confirmed this link back in 2001 in a study done by Department of Cardiology, Heart-Center Osnabruck-Bad Rothenfelde, Germany. In the study the research clearly states that; Chronic infection has been proposed to account for the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Gastric mucosal damage caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) involves various bacterial and host-dependent toxic substances that have been recently associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease." This research concluded that " H. pylori eradication significantly attenuates the reduction in coronary artery lumen in CAD patients after PTCA possibly due to the elimination of chronic inflammation and the decline in proinflammatory cytokine release and the identification of DNA in atherosclerotic plaques of patients with severe CAD supports the hypothesis that infection with H. pylori (especially CagA positive) may influence the development of atherosclerosis.
(CAD).

A new PubMed study titled "Association between Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity and the Coronary Artery Calcium Score in a Screening Population" shows that there is a link between CAD and h.pylori. The research concluded that: H. pylori seropositive patients are at a higher risk for coronary atherosclerosis regardless of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This association is particularly applicable for early coronary atherosclerosis."

Another study, done in 2009 showed a good correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and decreased HDL cholesterol.

What all of this research points to is the importance of proper GUT integrity for overall health and most certainly for heart health. This is why I advocate for the use of pro-bioitcs and enzyme therapy in patients with Coronary Artery disease and high cholesterol.

If you have heart disease or high cholesterol is is worth getting tested for h.pylori so you can be treated and help reduce your risk of further serious disease.