News

Common Infections May Contribute to Strokes

More on this Topic

Migraine Increases Likelihood of Stroke

Nearly $1 Billion a Year Spent on Blood Thinners in U.S.: Report

Nearly $1 Billion a Year Spent on Blood Thinners in U.S.: Report

Stroke Puts Stress on Spousal Relationship

Obesity Seems to Alter Heart Structure

TUESDAY, Nov. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to several common pathogens may increase the risk of having a stroke, a new study shows.

Led by Dr. Mitchell Elkind, an associate professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, the research team found that the pathogens Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 may be implicated in accelerating arterial disease, which in turn increases the risk of stroke.

The team's work appears in the Nov. 9 online edition of the Archives of Neurology, and will be published in the January 2010 print issue of the journal.

"These are infections that regularly pop up when we study heart disease," said Elkind. "They are very common in the population."

Scientists are not completely sure how the pathogens harm arterial function, but several theories offer suggestions. One possibility is that chronic infection leads to inflammation in the blood vessels, which can constrict blood flow. Another possibility, said Elkind, is that the pathogens disrupt the normal functioning of the arterial walls.

CONNECT with Women Interested inStroke

Alison Beaver

Stroke Guide