Herpes and Heart Disease

Abstract

M embers of the herpesvirus family are known troublemakers for humans. They cause fever blisters, genital sores, and a flu-like illness. Now, scientists may be about to add another health problem to that list. Surprising new research findings suggest that some herpesviruses play a key role in the development of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary artery disease begins when cholesterol and other fats accumulate on the normally smooth inner lining of the artery wall, a process called atherosclerosis. Eventually, the vessel becomes narrowed by a hardened material known as plaque, which consists of fat and other debris. If a blood clot blocks an already narrowed coronary artery, a heart attack can result. What might trigger such dangerous clots in people with atherosclerosis? Biochemist David P Hajjar suggests that one type of herpesvirus, herpes simplex type 1, encourages the buildup of plaque while also revving up the blood's tendency to gel and form clots. Herpesvirus is the missing link between thrombosis and atherosclerosis, says Hajjar, who performs laboratory research at the Cornell University Medical College in New York City He presented his provocative data on herpes and heart disease at the American Heart Association's Science Writers Forum, held in January in Monterey, Calif. Hajjar isn't the only scientist who suspects that some herpesviruses may accelerate atherosclerosis. Others have data that seem to implicate another type of herpesvirus in the evolution of coronary artery disease. If researchers can confirm such connections, physicians may eventually prevent many cases of