[Helicobacter pylori: a new cardiovascular risk factor?]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Atherothrombosis is a complex disease with multifactorial origins.
• Emerging evidence suggests microbial agents may play a role in atherothrombosis development.
• Helicobacter pylori, a common pathogen, is implicated in various chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific evidence linking Helicobacter pylori infection to atherothrombosis.
• To evaluate the potential etiopathogenic role of H. pylori in cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating H. pylori and cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of epidemiological data, risk factor associations, and molecular findings.
• Assessment of serological correlations with inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• Higher prevalence of H. pylori infection observed in patients with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular disease.
• Coexistence of H. pylori infection with cardiovascular risk factors like elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and fibrinogen.
• Correlation between H. pylori seropositivity and elevated C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
• Controversial findings from PCR studies suggesting H. pylori presence in atheromatous plaques.

Conclusions:

• Helicobacter pylori infection may indirectly contribute to the development and progression of atherothrombosis.
• The findings suggest a potential link between H. pylori and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of H. pylori's involvement in atherothrombosis.