Oral Hygiene and Heart Health

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reveals that oral bacteria may play a direct role in triggering heart attacks.

Key Findings of the Study

• Bacterial Biofilms in Arteries: Researchers identified viridans streptococci, common oral bacteria inside atherosclerotic plaques in arteries. These bacteria form biofilms that remain hidden from immune detection until the plaque ruptures.
• Prevalence: In samples from 121 autopsies and 96 vascular surgery patients, bacterial DNA was found in a significant number, with viridans streptococci present in ~42% of both groups.
• Mechanism of Plaque Rupture: In ruptured plaques, bacteria migrated to surface layers and activated Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) — triggering immune inflammation that may precipitate heart attacks.
• Antibiotic Resistance: The persistence of these biofilms explains why antibiotic treatments for heart disease have failed, as biofilm-embedded bacteria resist immune and drug action.

Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report

• Initiated in 1990 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank.
• Now led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, USA.
• Key Indicators
  • DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Years): Measures total years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death.
  • YLL (Years of Life Lost): Premature deaths compared to life expectancy.
  • YLD (Years Lived with Disability): Time spent in less than full health.
• The Latest Report was released in World Health Summit (WHS), Berlin, Germany.

World Health Summit (WHS), Berlin

• Founded in 2009 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe’s oldest medical universities.
• Organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2019, giving it official global recognition.
• Attended by representatives from WHO, World Bank, UN agencies, governments, academia, private sector, and NGOs.
• India regularly participates through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and public health experts.