H. Pylori Linked To Stroke

H. Pylori Linked To Stroke

The bacteria associated with causing stomach ulcers may have an even more devastating effect on the body than destroying the lining of the stomach, according to a recent study.

Scientists studied 138 patients with atherosclerotic stroke (caused by narrowed arteries in the brain), 61 with a stroke caused by a blood clot that traveled to the brain and 151 healthy subjects. Of those who suffered an atherosclerotic stroke, 43% were infected with CagA-positive H. pylori, compared with 20% of other stroke patients and 18% of healthy participants. H. pylori takes different forms. CagA-positive H. pylori, the cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA) strain of the bacteria, is one especially virulent form. Even more alarming is that the study also found that patients infected with CagA-positive H. pylori tended to have higher blood levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation that has been linked to heart disease.

The researchers theorized that this strain of H. pylori, by causing inflammation in artery walls, may play a role in the hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. This process could block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.

According to the study authors, eradicating H. pylori may be the most appropriate approach for preventing atherosclerotic strokes in high-risk subjects.

Mastic Gum (as in VRP's CeaseFire™) has been shown to eradicate H. pylori. Low levels of stomach acid can also be the perfect breeding ground for ulcer-causing bacteria such as H. pylori. Hydrochloric acid supplements (such as VRP's GastricAid) can increase stomach acid levels, thereby eradicating H. pylori and ulcers.

Reference:

Pietroiusti A, Diomedi M, Silvestrini M, Cupini LM, Luzzi I, Gomez-Miguel MJ, Bergamaschi A, Magrini A, Carrabs T, Vellini M, Galante A. Cytotoxin-associated gene-A--positive Helicobacter pylori strains are associated with atherosclerotic stroke. Circulation. 2002 Jul 30;106(5):580-4.