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February 7, 2022 - The Silent Bacteria and Atherosclerosis

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February 7, 2022 Puzzle Piece

The Silent Bacteria and Atherosclerosis

This weeks Puzzle Piece is by Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., M.S.
It is very well done and is an important insight. 
It is sent without change from its original content.

Is it possible that a species of bacteria that commonly causes colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, asthma or pneumonia can also be a silent cause of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease or ASVD) is a specific form of arteriosclerosis in which an artery wall thickens. Many people are familiar with the common term, hardening of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

The bacteria linked to heart disease is chlamydia pneumoniae. 


chlamydia

Chlamydia Pneumoniae

The medical research has shown that this bacteria can live quietly in the body for decades without causing any problems.

Unfortunately, we also now know that chlamydia pneumoniae has been found to be a cause of a silent infection leading to coronary arterial inflammation.
In one breakthrough study, chlamydia pneumoniae was found in 79% of people with carotid artery plaque vs. 4% in people with no plaque!
start quoteChlamydia pneumoniae was found in 79% of people with carotid artery plaque vs. 4% in people with no plaque! end quote

Even though the medical research has shown the existence of this bacteria and arterial inflammation many cardiologists do not check to see if chlamydia pneumoniae is present.

Three inflammatory lab markers should be part of any cardiovascular work-up. These include: fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (high sensitivity) and ferritin. In the event any of these markers are elevated you should do some detective work and see if chlamydia pneumoniae is present. I recommend measuring the chlamydia antibodies by PCR at any commercial medical lab to establish that there is indeed an infection.


chronic_markers

The best treatment is azithromycin 500 mg twice a day (on an empty stomach) for 3-5 days 1-2 times a month for 6 months. 

I also would recommend consulting with your functional medicine practitioner for natural botanical treatments.

At the conclusion of the treatment, recheck to see if the inflammatory markers have come down and repeat the chlamydia antibodies. Of course don't forget to re-introduce probiotics to replace what the antibiotics have destroyed.
 
References:
Bachmaier K, et al, Chlamydia infections and heart disease linked through antigenic mimicry, Sci, 5406; 283: 1335-39. Feb 26. 1999
Linnanmaki E, et al, Chlamydia pneumoniae---Specific Circulating Immune Complexes in Patients with Chronic Coronary Heart Disease, Circulation, 87:1130-30 4, 1993

Muhlestrin JB, et al, Increased incidence of Chlamydia species within the coronary arteries of patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic versus other forms of cardiovascular disease, J Am Coll Cardiol, 27:1555-61, 1996

Gupta S, et al, The effect of azithromycin in post-myocardial infarction patients with elevated Chlamydia pneumoniae antibody titers, J Am Coll Cardiol, 29:209 a, 1997

Gupta S, et al, Elevated Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies, cardiovascular events, and azithromycin in male survivors of myocardial infarction, Circulation, 96:404-07, 1997

Vojdani A, A look at infectious agents as a possible causative factor in cardiovascular disease: part II Lab Med, 4; 34: 5-9, April 2003

The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com to find practitioners thoroughly trained in functional medicine. Look for practitioners who have successfully completed the Functional Medicine University's Certification Program (CFMP).  

This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Grisanti is require



Yours in Health and Wellness,
John W Brimhall, DC, BA, BS, FIAMA, DIBAK

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