Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
Published on: January 15, 2022
Infectious and coronary artery disease
Mohammad Saeid Rezaee-Zavareh1, Mohammad Tohidi1, Amin Sabouri1
1Researcher, Student Research Committee AND Atherosclerosis Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Infections by certain microbes, including Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Cytomegalovirus, are strongly linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Controlling infections may help reduce atherosclerosis and CAD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic events are a leading global cause of mortality.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant manifestation of atherosclerosis.
- Traditional risk factors include diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypertension; however, infections are increasingly recognized as contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the association between infectious agents and atherosclerosis/CAD.
- To discuss the potential role of microbial infections in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct.
- Keywords included atherosclerosis, CAD, myocardial infarction, infection, and specific microbial names.
- Reviewed studies correlating microbial agents with CAD risk.
Main Results:
- Several infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, parasites) are associated with CAD risk.
- Strong associations observed for Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Cytomegalovirus.
- Other agents, like influenza, require further investigation; diverse mechanisms link infections to CAD.
Conclusions:
- Evidence strongly suggests that microbial infections play a role in atherosclerosis.
- Managing infections, particularly in individuals with existing atherosclerosis risk factors, is crucial for reducing CAD risk.
Background:
Atherosclerotic event is one of the most causes of death in the world. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one manifestation of atherosclerosis. It is well-known that several risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, hypertension (HTN), have effects on it. It is proposed that infection can lead to atherosclerosis or even make its process faster. Here, we discuss about the effect of some of infectious agents on the atherosclerosis and CAD.
Methods:
In this study, first we did a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct using some related keywords such as atherosclerosis, CAD, myocardial infarction (MI), infection, and name of viruses and bacteria. After finding the related papers, we reviewed the correlation between some microbial agents and risk of CAD.
Results:
Literature has reported several infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) that can be associated with risk of CAD. This association for some of them like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Chlamydia pneumonia (C. pneumoniae), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very strong. On the other hand, there are some other agents like influenza that still need to be more investigated through original studies. Furthermore, different mechanisms (general and special) have been reported for the association of each agent with CAD.
Conclusion:
Based on the studies in databases and our literature review, it is so clear that some microbes and infectious agents can be involved in the process of atherosclerosis. Therefore, controlling each type of infections especially among people with a traditional risk factor for atherosclerosis should be taken into account for reducing the risk of CAD and atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Endocarditis I: Introduction

