Heart attacks may be linked to infections: study
Oral bacteria in artery plaques may trigger heart attacks by causing inflammation.
Why it matters
- Heart attacks might be triggered by infections, not just cholesterol.
- This discovery could lead to new treatments and prevention methods, like vaccines.
By the numbers
- The study involved researchers from Finland and the UK.
- Tissue samples were obtained from individuals who died from sudden cardiac death and patients with atherosclerosis.
The big picture
- The study challenges the traditional view of heart attack causes.
- It suggests that oral health might be more directly linked to heart health than previously thought.
- New diagnostic and therapeutic strategies could be developed based on these findings.
What they're saying
- "Bacterial involvement in coronary artery disease has long been suspected, but direct and convincing evidence has been lacking." - Professor Pekka Karhunen
- The study suggests a potential link between oral health and heart attacks.
Caveats
- The study does not provide information on sample size.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop new treatments.
What’s next
- The findings could lead to the development of vaccines or antibiotics to prevent or treat heart attacks caused by bacterial infections.