Helicobacter pylori infection as acute coronary syndrome risk factor

Aim. To compare laboratory parameters and biopsy morphology of gastric and proximal duodenal mucosa samples in patients with various clinical forms of coronary heart disease (CHD). Material and methods. In total, 150 CHD patients were included in the main group (MG), and 50 individuals without diagnosed CHD were included in the control group (CG). All participants underwent gastroduodenoscopy, morphological examination of biopsy samples, general and biochemical blood assay, and measurement of Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody levels. Results. CHD was linked to long-term, HP-associated chronic atrophic pangastritis. Progression of HP infection to all gastric and duodenal areas, active chronic inflammation, as well as systemic inflammation, could be risk factors of unstable CHD course. Conclusion. In CHD patients, elevated levels of Helicobacter pylori antibodies point to progressing HP infection and act as a predictor of unstable CHD course, with high risk of acute coronary syndrome.