Evidence of infection with helicobacter pylori in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract EN

Background : the role of infection with Helicobacter pylori (H.

pylori) as a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction is controversial. Aim of the study : to assess the association between H.

pylori infection and acute myocardial infarction. Patients and Methods : the IgG seropositivity to H.

pylori was assessed in 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 39 controls. Results : in the total study the association was statistically insignificant (80 % vs 69.2 %, p value : 0.2, OR 0.56, 95 %CI (0.2-1.5)), but in those below the age of 50 years was significant (100 % vs 66.7 %, p value: 0.04, OR 2.3, 95 % CI (1.4-4.02)).

No association was found between H.

pylori seropositivity and worsening of the classic coronary risk factors. Conclusion : this study suggests that H.

pylori infection is a risk factor for coronary artery disease in patients below 50 years.