Potential Infectious Etiologies of Atherosclerosis: A Multifactorial Perspective

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) contributes substantially to illness and death worldwide. Experimental studies demonstrate that infection can stimulate atherogenic processes. This review presents a spectrum of data regarding the link between CHD and infection. In addition, the need for improved diagnostic tools, the significance of multiple pathogens, and potential intervention strategies are discussed.

Keywords

• Infection
• Chlamydia pneumoniae
• cytomegalovirus
• cardiovascular disease
• coronary disease
• myocardial infarction