An estimated 60 percent of the global human population carries a bacterium known as helicobacter pylori.
In the microscopic world, this microorganism is a common type of bacteria that proliferates in the digestive tract, with two out of every three people having it in their system.
It is common all over the world and is oftentimes undetected. However, when it begins to infect your gastrointestinal tract, it gives rise to abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, bloating, heartburn, and gastric inflammation, just to name a few. [1]
By any standard, it is a pesky bacteria. However, in addition to all the trouble it brings, there is one more symptom to add to the list: atrial fibrillation.
So, you may be wondering, what exactly is atrial fibrillation?
According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation is a quivering heartbeat. This happens when the upper chambers of the heart don’t beat normally, affecting blood circulation in the body.
Atrial fibrillation is a precursor to blood clots, strokes, heart failure, and serious cardiovascular complications. [2]
This brings us back to H. pylori.
A 2005 study found that patients with atrial fibrillation were 20 times more likely to test positive for H. pylori when compared to those without atrial fibrillation.
To put it plainly, H. pylori has been linked to an increased risk of cardiac rhythmic disorders. And it is a highly significant association. [3]
To reduce the risk of getting an H. pylori infection, be sure to maintain healthy hygiene habits to prevent transmission. That includes:
Frequently washing hands with soap and water
Drinking clean, uncontaminated food and water
Cooking food thoroughly
If you are concerned that you might have H. pylori, the most common ways to verify an infection are a breath test or a stool test. Both tests are non-invasive, and you can get your results immediately at a doctor’s office.
Under the circumstances that H. pylori is confirmed, infections are usually treatable with antibiotics. It is imperative to follow the medication treatment plan as per your doctor’s instructions to maximize recovery without additional complications.
