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Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and mortality from ischaemic heart disease: large prospective study

N J Wald1, M R Law, J K Morris

  • 1BUPA Epidemiological Research Group, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London EC1M 6BQ. n.j.wald@mds.qmw.ac.uk

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|July 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant link between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and ischaemic heart disease risk in professional men. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between this infection and cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae infection has been investigated as a potential risk factor for IHD.
  • Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the association.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and the risk of developing ischaemic heart disease.
  • To clarify the role of C. pneumoniae as a potential etiological agent in IHD.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective nested case-control study design was employed.
  • The study included 21,520 professional men aged 35-64, examined between 1975 and 1982.
  • Antibody concentrations (IgG and IgA) to C. pneumoniae were measured in cases (died from IHD) and age-matched controls.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in IgG and IgA antibody concentrations to C. pneumoniae was observed between men who died from IHD and controls.
  • No material association was found between C. pneumoniae infection and ischaemic heart disease, regardless of the seropositivity cut-off.
  • Odds ratios for IgG and IgA were 1.26 and 1.09 respectively at a specific cut-off, indicating no strong link.

Conclusions:

  • This study found no material association between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and ischaemic heart disease.
  • The large sample size, prospective design, and socioeconomic homogeneity of the cohort strengthen the findings.
  • The results suggest C. pneumoniae may not be an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease in this population.
Abstract

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