Myocardial Infarction May Be an Infectious Disease A groundbreaking study by Finnish and UK researchers reveals that myocardial infarction (heart attack) might originate as an infectious disease, challenging traditional views and opening new treatment and prevention possibilities. Key Findings Infection Trigger: Coronary artery disease plaques containing cholesterol harbor bacterial biofilms asymptomatically for years or decades. Biofilm Characteristics: These biofilms protect dormant bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics. Activation Mechanism: External triggers like viral infections can activate the biofilm, causing bacterial proliferation and inflammation. Plaque Rupture: Inflammation leads to fibrous cap rupture in atherosclerotic plaques, causing blood clot formation and myocardial infarction. Bacterial Evidence: Genetic material from oral bacteria was found inside coronary plaques. Verification: An antibody targeting these bacteria confirmed biofilm presence and bacteria release during heart attacks. Implications: Findings suggest new diagnostics, therapies, and possible vaccine development for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. Research Details Conducted by Tampere University, University of Oulu, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and the University of Oxford. Tissue samples came from sudden cardiac death victims and patients undergoing artery-cleansing surgeries. Part of a large EU-funded cardiovascular project spanning 11 countries. Supported by the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. Publication Study titled Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation and Rupture of Atherosclerotic Plaques. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on 6 August 2025. Read the article online Contact Information Professor Pekka Karhunen Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology Tampere University Email: pekka.j.karhunen [at] tuni.fi Phone: +358 400 511361 --- This discovery marks a paradigm shift in understanding myocardial infarction, highlighting infection's role in coronary artery disease and offering hopeful new pathways for prevention and treatment.