Uncovering Hidden Causes of Heart Disease

We’ve been told for years that saturated fat and cholesterol are the primary culprits behind cardiovascular disease. The message is simple: stay away from that steak, avoid your scrambled eggs, and keep your cholesterol levels in check. But is it really that straightforward? The reality is far more complex.

Despite the emphasis on diet and cholesterol management, heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. In the United States alone, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds—a staggering statistic that highlights the urgency of understanding all potential causes.

In 2023, nearly 920,000 Americans lost their lives to heart disease, which accounts for about one in every three deaths. The economic burden is equally alarming, with heart disease costing over $400 billion annually. Yet, even with increased prescription rates of statins and cholesterol-lowering medications, the incidence of heart attacks and coronary artery disease continues to rise.

This disconnect raises an important question: what else could be driving heart disease besides cholesterol and traditional risk factors? To answer this, we need to look beyond the conventional models and consider the multifaceted mechanisms involved, including inflammation, hormonal imbalances, toxins, genetics, and—importantly—infectious agents.

Infections and Heart Disease: An Overlooked Connection

Emerging research suggests that certain infections may silently contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). These infections can induce inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and vascular damage over time, all of which can promote plaque buildup in the arteries. Let’s explore some of the key infectious players:

H. pylori:
This spiral-shaped bacteria infects the stomach lining and is often associated with chronic heartburn. However, many infections are silent and go unnoticed. Once established, H. pylori can enter the bloodstream, infecting arterial linings, causing localized inflammation and immune reactions. Its proteins mimic those in vascular tissues, which can lead to autoimmune attacks on blood vessels—a pseudo-autoimmune process that gradually damages the arteries and promotes plaque formation. Additionally, chronic infection can lead to insulin resistance, a known risk factor for heart disease.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV):
A member of the herpesvirus family, CMV spreads through bodily fluids and can establish a chronic infection. While many people clear the virus without issues, persistent CMV infection can inflame arteries and contribute to plaque development. Symptoms of active infection include fever, fatigue, and swollen glands, but many remain asymptomatic, unknowingly harboring the virus.

COVID-19:
The recent pandemic has revealed a new dimension to infectious impacts on cardiovascular health. The virus’s spike proteins can cross-react with collagen and heart muscle proteins, causing vascular injury and inflammation that may persist long after the acute infection resolves. This ongoing inflammatory process can set the stage for long-term cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerosis and heart failure.

The Common Thread: Inflammation and Autoimmunity

Regardless of the infectious agent, these pathogens can cause:

• Acute vascular injury

• Chronic inflammation of blood vessels

• Molecular mimicry leading to autoimmune attack

• Systemic inflammation affecting overall health and metabolic function

Testing and Treatment

Identifying hidden infections involves specific tests, such as breath tests for H. pylori, blood tests for CMV IgG/IgM, and PCR tests for viral genetic material. Once identified, treatment may include antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials, immune support, and lifestyle changes.

Supporting vascular health through high-intensity exercise, sauna use, low-sugar diets, antioxidant supplements, and stress reduction techniques can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Addressing infections and systemic inflammation is paramount for long-term heart health.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about plaque buildup or heart disease, don’t settle for a cholesterol-only approach. There is a growing body of evidence pointing to infections and inflammation as significant, yet often overlooked, contributors. Lowering cholesterol may be helpful, but without addressing underlying infections and inflammation, the progression of heart disease may continue unchecked.

It’s time to look deeper. Understanding and treating hidden infections could be the key to more effective prevention and better outcomes for heart health.

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Dr. Jim Chialtas is a Functional Medicine and Acupuncture practitioner specializing in chronic and hard-to-treat health conditions. In his San Diego private practice (est. 2003), he works closely with patients to find the root cause of their health concerns, offering a whole-person approach to wellness that incorporates mind, body, and spirit.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Chialtas designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for Acupuncture Insights and the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.

For more information or to inquire about a consultation, please visit www.functionalmedicine-sandiego.com. Appointments are offered in-person or nationwide via video.