Cytotoxin-associated gene-A bearing strains of Helicobacter pylori and atrial fibrillation due to ischemic origin: Is there a link?

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pyloriCagA strains could increase the risk for atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease METHODS: Serological status for H. pyloriCagA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, C-reactive protein, total leucocytic count and atrial size were determined in 185 coronary artery disease patients (with and without atrial fibrillation) and 80 healthy subjects (control). RESULTS: CagA strain showed a higher prevalence in the atrial fibrillation group. Atrial dimension and C-reactive protein (independent predictors of atrial fibrillation) were significantly increased in the CagA seropositive subgroup CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong liaison between H. pylori CagA infection and atrial fibrillation in coronary artery disease. Increased C reactive protein and atrial size in atrial fibrillation patients may reflect atrial inflammatory remodeling. © 2007 European Society of Cardiology.