THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION AND ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASE - FACTS OR FANCY

Background. Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated recently with an increased risk of developing ischemic heart disease. Methods. We critically reviewed the literature on the association between Heli cobacter and ischemic heart disease. Results. It has been suggested th at a persistent low-grade inflammatory response resulting from chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori may increase the concentration of certa in coagulation factors, such as fibrinogen, which are predictors of is chemic heart disease. After the appearance of the first studies indica ting a moderately strong association, other researchers have investiga ted the potential association between these two conditions, yielding c onflicting results. It must be emphasized that a relationship between fibrinogen or other hemostatic factors and H. pylori infection has bee n demonstrated only in cross-sectional studies, many of which included ischemic heart disease patients. Conclusion. The present evidence sup porting the association between H. pylori infection and ischemic heart disease is based on cross-sectional surveys, in which it is difficult to separate cause and effect. The high prevalence in the population o f both H. pylori and ischemic heart disease makes it very difficult to establish a causal association. Prospective or interventional studies eventually might help to clarify the question.