What bacteria were identified as a cause of heart attacks?

Viridans streptococci, a type of bacteria normally present in the mouth, were identified as a cause of heart attacks.

How do the mouth bacteria contribute to heart attacks?

The bacteria can enter the bloodstream during brushing or chewing and form biofilms in arterial plaques, which can then trigger inflammation and cause the plaques to rupture, leading to a heart attack.

What percentage of coronary plaques from sudden death victims contained these bacterial biofilms?

The study found that these biofilms were present in over 40% of coronary plaques from sudden death victims and patients undergoing surgery.

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Mouth Bacteria Identified as Trigger for Heart Attacks

9 Sep

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Summary

Bacteria in mouth can enter bloodstream and form biofilms in arterial plaques
Biofilms are shielded from antibiotics and immune system, causing inflammation
Biofilms found in over 40% of coronary plaques from sudden death victims

Mouth Bacteria Identified as Trigger for Heart Attacks

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on August 6, 2025, researchers have identified mouth bacteria as a significant contributor to heart attacks. The study found that the bacteria, known as viridans streptococci, can enter the bloodstream during brushing or chewing and settle in atherosclerotic plaques, forming biofilms.

These biofilms are bacterial communities with protective shields that make them resistant to antibiotics and even immune cells. The presence of these biofilms in over 40% of coronary plaques from sudden death victims and patients undergoing surgery is particularly concerning. The researchers explain that these biofilms can remain dormant and then "wake up," causing inflammation that leads to the rupture of the plaques and triggering a heart attack.

The implications of this finding are clear: oral hygiene is more important than ever for heart health. Even healthy individuals who neglect their oral care may be at risk of heart failure due to these silent bacterial infections. The study emphasizes that heart attacks are not solely restricted to traditional triggers like stress or cholesterol, and that maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for safeguarding one's heart.

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