H. Pylori infection in iraqi patients with ischemic heart

Background : cardiovascular diseases are among the most common cause of death in Developed countries. In addition to traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, nowadays, accumulating evidence indicates that a variety of infectious agents may contribute to pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. Patients and methods : 125 patients (25 females and 100 males) attending the department of cardiology, teaching hospital over the period December 2008- June 2009were enrolled. Their age range between (39-75 years) compared with 50 healthy individuation (Age & sex matched). The sera were tested for H. pylori antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results : 80 % of patients showed the anti-H. Pylori IgGs (P 0.05). Conclusions : these findings raise the possibility that exposure to H. pylori may lead to increased risk of coronary artery disease independent of other risk factors.