Much of the attention in this research has focused on bacterial causes, such as lingering gum disease or sinus infections. Earlier this week in the journal Circulation , European doctors reported that people with a variety of chronic bacterial infections have triple the usual risk of developing hardening of the arteries. Asthma's inflammation results from an allergic reaction. Iribarren said his works raises the possibility that it, too, might be bad for the heart, possibly by subjecting the arteries to inflammation-related chemicals and white cells that circulate throughout the body. It seems to be playing an important role.
Heart attacks occur when clots block heart arteries.
The researchers found that victims who had just smoked had bigger clots than did smokers who had not a cigarette within six hours. Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that eating plenty of milk, cheese and other dairy products may actually help prevent obesity. Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.