Study Links Oral Bacteria to Higher Risk of Heart Attacks
TAMPERE/MIAMI: Heart attacks may be more closely tied to oral health than previously understood, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study suggests that bacteria commonly found in the mouth and throat may infiltrate coronary plaques, fueling inflammation and triggering heart attacks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cardiovascular disease killed 19.8 million people in 2022, with nearly 85% of deaths caused by heart attacks and strokes. Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by blood clots, plaque buildup, or arterial spasms.
Bacteria Found in Arteries
Researchers at Tampere University in Finland analyzed coronary plaque samples from 121 people who died of sudden cardiac death and 96 patients who underwent plaque removal surgery.
They identified viridans group streptococci — a type of bacteria common in saliva and dental plaque — as the most frequently detected microbe in the arterial samples.
Lead researcher Professor Pekka J. Karhunen, MD, PhD, explained that while these bacteria are harmless in the mouth, they may escape under certain conditions, infiltrate arterial plaques, and cause inflammation that can rupture the plaque, leading to a heart attack.
Expert Reactions
Cardiologist Dr. Sergiu Darabant of the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute said the findings strengthen the case for a link between oral and cardiovascular health. “Inflammation has long been suspected as a driver of plaque rupture. This study adds another piece to the puzzle, showing how oral bacteria might play a hidden role,” he noted.
Implications for Patients
While viridans streptococci usually help maintain oral balance, untreated dental infections can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation.
Doctors recommend:
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Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
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Promptly treating oral infections.
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Staying up to date on vaccines, such as influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal, to lower infection-related cardiovascular risks.
Bigger Picture
The study highlights the importance of integrating dental care into heart disease prevention strategies. Experts say that controlling oral infections, combined with managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, could significantly lower heart attack risks.
