The possible role of infections in acute myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD) and myoc ardial infarction (MI), are among the leading causes for morbidity and mort ality in industrialized countries [2, 77]. During the past decades, various clinical or lifestyle risk factors for myocardial infarction such as hyper lipidemia, hypertension, obesity, lack of physical exercise and smoking hav e been identified. However, it is also recognized that these well-documente d risk factors do not sufficiently account for all new cases of myocardial infarction [77]. Many patients with myocardial infarction have only a borde rline risk profile or even lack known risk factors. The question arises: Wh at additional risk factors may play a role in the etiology of atheroscleros is and ischemic heart disease? (C) 1999 editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.