Severe Helicobacter pylori infection significantly increased the odds of elevated estimated pulse wave velocity in young adults (OR 3.87; 95% CI 3.25-4.60; P<0.001).
Cohort (n=7,803)
Does Helicobacter pylori infection increase arterial stiffness in young adults?
Histologically confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness in young adults, with a dose-response relationship based on infection severity.
Odds Ratio: 3.87 (95% CI 3.25–4.6)
Absolute Event Rate: 6.66% vs 6.33%
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection causes systemic inflammation and vascular dysfunction, which may contribute to arterial stiffness, which is recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, the early cardiovascular effects of HP infection in young populations remain understudied. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the association between histologically confirmed HP infection and arterial stiffness in young adults. The analysis was restricted to young adults aged 19–39 years. Arterial stiffness was quantified using estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), derived from validated equations that incorporate age and mean arterial pressure. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from a cohort of 7,803 adults who underwent a comprehensive health examination, including gastric mucosal biopsy for histopathological confirmation of HP infection. Results HP infection was detected in 4,289 participants (53.9%). Compared with HP-negative individuals, HP-positive subjects had significantly higher ePWV (6.66 ± 0.60 m/s vs. 6.33 ± 0.58 m/s; P 0.001). Moreover, ePWV increased linearly with increasing HP severity as determined by the updated Sydney system (ANOVA, P 0.01), and a significant positive correlation was observed between USS score and ePWV (P 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that USS score was independently associated with ePWV after adjusting for potential confounders. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that severe HP infection significantly increased the odds of elevated ePWV (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 3.25–4.60; P 0.001). Conclusion Helicobacter pylori infection is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness in young adults, with higher ePWV values associated with increased infection severity. Therefore, early detection and management of HP infections may be a viable strategy to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
J Chung (2025) conducted a cohort in Helicobacter pylori infection (n=7,803). Helicobacter pylori infection vs. HP-negative individuals was evaluated on estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) (OR 3.87, 95% CI 3.25-4.60, p=<0.001). Severe Helicobacter pylori infection significantly increased the odds of elevated estimated pulse wave velocity in young adults (OR 3.87; 95% CI 3.25-4.60; P<0.001).
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