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

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: May 14, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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