HEART attacks may not just be caused by cholesterol, poor diet, smoking, and high blood pressure, say scientists.
For the first time, researchers have demonstrated how heart attacks may be an infectious disease.
Bacterial involvement in coronary artery disease and how it can trigger heart attacks has long been suspected, but until now, convincing evidence has been lacking[/caption]
According to new research carried out by Tampere and Oulu Universities, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and the University of Oxford, an infection may trigger myocardial infarction (the medical term for heart attack).
Scientists found in cases of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of heart attacks, arterial plaques containing cholesterol can quietly harbour bacterial biofilms – gelatinous structures where bacteria live shielded from the body’s immune system and antibiotics.
These biofilms may lurk for decades, often undetected.
But a viral infection or another external trigger can activate the biofilm.
The resulting inflammation can rupture the plaque, leading to a fatal blood clot or heart attack.
Professor Pekka Karhunen, who led the study, notes that until now, it was assumed events leading to coronary artery disease were only initiated by oxidised low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which the body recognises as a foreign structure.
While bacterial involvement in coronary artery disease has long been suspected, convincing evidence has been lacking, he said.
He added: “Our study demonstrated the presence of genetic material – DNA – from several oral bacteria inside atherosclerotic plaques.”
The research team identified bacterial DNA from oral microbes within atherosclerotic plaques and developed an antibody to detect biofilm structures in arterial tissue.
In patients who suffered heart attacks, bacterial release from these biofilms resulted in inflammation and plaque rupture.
While the discovery doesn’t mean traditional heart attack risk factors should be forgotten about, it may help pave the way for the development of new diagnostics that check for biofilms.
The researchers said there could also be a possibility of preventing coronary artery disease and heart attack by vaccination.
A study published in 2018 suggested infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections can trigger heart attacks.
The body triggers its white cell production to help ward off an infection, but that process also increases the stickiness of cells called platelets, said researchers.
This encourages the formation of clots that could block the flow of blood to the heart or brain.
Approximately 100,000 hospital admissions each year in the UK are due to heart attacks, according to the British Heart Foundation.
They’re a life-threatening condition that require immediate medical help, and survival depends on the severity of the heart attack, prompt medical care, and other factors like age, with many survivors going on to lead productive lives.
Symptoms include chest pain, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, sweating, feeling sick, an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, and coughing or wheezing.
If someone is showing signs of a heart attack you must call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
While waiting for help, ask the person to sit in a comfortable position and, if they aren’t allergic and you have it handy, have them chew and swallow one 300mg aspirin.
If the person becomes unresponsive, begin chest compressions (CPR) if you are trained and have someone fetch a nearby defibrillator.
How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
- More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
- Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming – whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good – and it’s free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.