Helicobacter pylori and Atrial Fibrillation: Insights into Their Inter-Relationship.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent global health concerns that significantly impact societal and economic well-being. This study explored the potential associations between H. pylori infection and the incidence and progression of AF. Emerging research suggests that H. pylori may influence AF through various pathways, including systemic inflammation, metabolic disturbances, immune responses, and changes in the gut microbiota. These pathways provide a novel perspective on the etiology of AF, suggesting that chronic H. pylori infection could exacerbate or even initiate the arrhythmic events typical of AF. Current evidence, while preliminary, points to significant correlations, particularly through changes in markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid metabolism, which are heightened in individuals with active H. pylori infection. However, the exact mechanisms and causal nature of this relationship remain elusive, with studies showing conflicting results. This inconsistency underscores the need for more comprehensive and rigorously designed clinical and experimental research to elucidate fully the interactions between H. pylori infection and AF. Understanding these connections is crucial for developing innovative treatments and management strategies targeting microbial influences in AF patients. Future research should focus on defining the role of H. pylori eradication in the clinical management of AF assessing its impact on disease progression and patient outcomes.