H. Pylori infection in iraqi patients with ischemic heart

Abstract EN

Background : cardiovascular diseases are among the most common cause of death in Developed countries.

In addition to traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, nowadays, accumulating evidence indicates that a variety of infectious agents may contribute to pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease.

Patients and methods : 125 patients (25 females and 100 males) attending the department of cardiology, teaching hospital over the period December 2008- June 2009were enrolled.

Their age range between (39-75 years) compared with 50 healthy individuation (Age & sex matched).

The sera were tested for H.

pylori antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results : 80 % of patients showed the anti-H.

Pylori IgGs (P<0.05).

But there were no significant association between risk factors & H.

pylori infection (P > 0.05).

Conclusions : these findings raise the possibility that exposure to H.

pylori may lead to increased risk of coronary artery disease independent of other risk factors.