Helicobacter pylori infection and rheumatoid arthritis as risk enhancers' factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases

Background: In addition to established risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (aCVDs), infections and autoimmune diseases, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been reported as risk-enhancer factors. In this retrospective single-center, case-control study, the relative weight of RA and H. pylori infection on aCVD was evaluated in a cohort of patients from Northern Sardinia, Italy, where both conditions are frequent. Materials and methods: Data were retrieved from records of subjects undergoing upper endoscopy and screened for H. pylori infection by at least four biopsies. The presence of H. pylori and chronic-active gastritis were labeled as a current infection or a long-lasting infection (LLHp) when atrophy and/or metaplasia and/or dysplasia were detected in at least one gastric specimen. Diagnosis of aCVD and RA was made by the cardiologist and the rheumatologist, respectively, according to guidelines. Odd ratios (ORs) for aCVD were evaluated, adjusting for age, sex, excess weight, cigarette smoking, blood hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, H. pylori status, and RA. Results: Among 4821 records (mean age 52.1 ± 16.7 years; 66.0% female), H. pylori infection was detected in 2262 patients, and more specifically, a LLHp infection was present in 1043 (21.6%). Three-hundred-three (6.3%) patients were diagnosed with aCVD, and 208 (4.3%) with RA. In patients with aCVD (cases), the LLHp infection (33.3% vs. 20.8%, p < 0.0001) and RA (12.2% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.0001) were more frequent in cases compared with controls (patients without aCVD). After adjusting for traditional aCVD risk factors, ORs significantly increased for LLHp infection (1.57; 95% CI 1.20-2.06) and RA (2.63; 95% CI 1.72-4.02). Interestingly, the LLHp infection in patients with RA showed an overall addictive effect on the risk for aCVD (7.89; 95% CI 4.29-14.53). Conclusions: According to our findings, patients with RA should benefit from being screened and eventually treated for H. pylori infection.