New Research Reveals Bacterial Presence in ⁢Arterial Plaques

Tampere University in Finland has published groundbreaking research in the Journal of the American Heart‌ Association, establishing a potential connection between bacterial presence in‌ arteries and the occurrence ⁣of heart​ attacks. The study, detailed here, found bacterial DNA originating from the ‌oral cavity, respiratory tract, intestines, and‌ skin within ‍atherosclerotic plaque.

Analysis ⁤of 200 Patients Reveals High Bacterial Density

Researchers​ analyzed vascular deposits from approximately 200 individuals. the sample‍ group comprised 121 individuals who ‍experienced sudden‍ cardiac​ death outside of a hospital setting and 96 ⁢patients who⁤ underwent vascular surgery.Remarkably, DNA traces of Streptococcus bacteria – commonly found in the mouth – were detected in nearly ‌all ​samples.

The study ⁤indicates these bacteria form biofilms within the arteries, effectively shielding ‌themselves from⁣ the immune system.However, when these biofilms rupture, they expose ​a high concentration of bacteria, triggering⁣ a significant inflammatory ​response. According to the study findings,‍ a⁣ higher bacterial count correlated with more severe arterial disease and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Implications and future ​Research

While this research doesn’t‌ suggest heart attacks are “contagious” in the⁤ traditional sense, it highlights a previously underestimated role of bacterial activity‍ in cardiovascular health. Further inquiry is needed to determine how these bacteria migrate‌ to the arteries and whether targeted interventions – such as improved oral hygiene or novel antibacterial therapies – could⁣ reduce the risk of heart attack and ‍sudden cardiac death.