Infections and inflammation and coronary artery disease
Content provided by Healthwise
Infections and inflammation and coronary artery disease
Recent research has suggested that inflammation in the blood vessels is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. This is because chemicals (known as biochemical markers) released by cells that line blood vessels may indicate the presence of inflammation. One biochemical marker, known as a C-reactive protein, is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack.1
Some infections may also trigger a heart attack in people who already have CAD.2 But a recent study found that taking antibiotics to prevent infections did not reduce the risk of having a heart attack in people that have been diagnosed with CAD.3
References
Citations
Koenig W (2001). Inflammation and coronary artery disease: An overview. Cardiology in Review, 9(1): 31–35.
Rupprecht HJ, et al. (2001). Impact of viral and bacterial infectious burdens on long-term prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Circulation, 104(1): 25–31.
Grayston JT, et al. (2005). Azithromycin for the secondary prevention of coronary events. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(16): 1637–1645.
Credits
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
| Last Updated | May 14, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 14, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
