Introduction
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it’s important to be aware of the risk factors associated with it. A recent study has found that if you spot a certain type of bacteria in your mouth, you may be at an increased risk for a heart attack. Eating certain foods can help reduce this risk, and this article will discuss what those foods are and how they can help protect your heart. So if you’re looking to reduce your risk of heart attack, read on to find out what you should be eating and what you should avoid.
If You Spot This in Your Mouth, You’re at Risk for Heart Attack, Says Study — Eat This Not That
A new study has found that if you spot a certain type of bacteria in your mouth, you may be at an increased risk for a heart attack. The study, published in the journal Circulation, found that people with high levels of Tannerella forsythia bacteria in their mouths were more likely to suffer a heart attack than those with lower levels.
Tannerella forsythia is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the mouth. It is usually harmless, but the study found that people with higher levels of the bacteria were more likely to suffer a heart attack. The researchers believe that the bacteria may cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to heart disease.
The study also found that people who ate a diet high in processed foods and sugar were more likely to have higher levels of Tannerella forsythia in their mouths. This suggests that eating a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of heart attack.
If you want to reduce your risk of heart attack, the best thing you can do is to eat a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of heart attack. Additionally, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
While the study found an association between Tannerella forsythia and heart attack risk, it did not prove that the bacteria causes heart attacks. More research is needed to understand the exact role of the bacteria in heart disease.
There are many risk factors for heart attacks—age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and genetics included—per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, there are also less obvious conditions that can determine your likelihood of experiencing a major cardiovascular event. According to one study, there is even a dental condition that can even come into play. Read on to find out what it is.—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You May Have Already Had COVID.
Study Shows Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Damage
According to a longitudinal study published in the Journal of Periodontology and conducted by Forsyth Institute and Harvard University scientists, people with periodontitis are at higher risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events. Specifically, doctors found a link between active gum disease inflammation and arterial inflammation, which is responsible for causing heart attacks, strokes, and other dangerous cardiovascular disease events.
The study involved 304 individuals, who underwent tomography scans in the arteries and gums at the start of the study and then four years later. 13 of them went on to develop major adverse cardiovascular events. After controlling other risk factors, the researchers determined that Presence of periodontal inflammation was shown to be predictive of the cardio events.
“This is very definitely related to people who have currently active inflammatory disease,” Dr. Thomas Van Dyke, Senior Member of Staff at Forsyth confirmed in a press release.
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It’s important to note that people who had suffered bone loss from prior periodontal disease were not at an increased risk of cardiovascular events—only those with gums that were actively inflamed. Researchers believe that the relation could be that local periodontal inflammation activates and mobilizes cells signaling through bone marrow, triggering the inflammation of arteries.
“If you’re in the age zone for cardiovascular disease or have known cardiovascular disease, ignoring your periodontal disease can actually be dangerous and may increase your risk for a heart attack,” Van Dyke said. So see a dentist if you need to, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.