Helicobacter pylori infection and risk of cardiovascular disease

Lichang Sun1, Haoxiao Zheng1, Min Qiu1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China.

Helicobacter
|March 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Screening for H. pylori may be important for individuals at high risk of CVD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is debated.
  • This meta-analysis investigates the link between H. pylori infection and CVD incidence.

Approach:

  • A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted up to August 31, 2022.
  • Included were 41 observational cohort studies with 230,288 participants, analyzing multivariable-adjusted risks for composite CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and all-cause mortality.

Key Points:

  • H. pylori infection showed a mild increase in composite CVD risk (RR 1.10) and CHD risk (RR 1.10).
  • No significant association was found for stroke or all-cause mortality.
  • Cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA)-positive H. pylori infection significantly increased CVD risk (RR 1.58) compared to CagA-negative infection.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori infection is associated with a modest elevation in CVD risk.
  • Screening for H. pylori in high-risk CVD patients could have significant public health and clinical implications.
Abstract

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