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Gum disease linked to heart illness
PHILADELPHIA - The most common strain of bacteria in dental
plaque can cause blood clots that induce heart attacks when they
escape into the bloodstream, researchers reported Monday.
Mark Herzberg of the University of Minnesota said the findings are the
first to link bacteria to the formation of potentially fatal blood clots.
Previous studies had found the incidence of heart disease is about twice
as high in people with periodontal disease, but scientists didn't know
why.
"Now we show a potential biological reason," Herzberg told the 150th
annual meeting of American Association for the Advancement of
Science.
In lab tests, Herzberg and colleagues injected bacteria from dental
plaque into the bloodstream of rabbits. The bacteria caused blood clots
to form within minutes. Rabbits are a proven model for testing
hypotheses about human heart disease and heart attacks.
Chronic inflammation of the gums due to plaque also could be involved
in the inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels that is known to
lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, Herzberg said.
Additional studies presented at the meeting show that bacteria in plaque
also are linked to:
A potentially fatal disease called infective endocarditis in which the
sac
around the heart becomes inflamed.
Lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease.
A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing and diminish
a person's response to vaccines against hepatitis B and influenza.
A higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth weight infants.
Reducing risk of diseases linked to dental bacteria is a common lesson
preached by dentists: Have the teeth cleaned regularly and floss daily.
If
necessary, have bone implants to replace dental bone lost from
periodontal disease, says researcher Frank Scannapieco, State
University of New York, Buffalo. Bacteria reside in pockets caused by
bone loss where the teeth are attached.
By Tim Friend, USA TODAY
Copyright 1998 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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