The Alzheimer's and heart attack connection

by Aimee Keenan-Greene   

Every 34 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack or myocardial infarction, according to the American Heart Association .  

Now, a possible new risk factor -  Alzheimer's disease and heart attacks have been genetically linked, according to a new study in this month's Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Researchers at the University of Bologna believe this gives patients a new weapon to fight both diseases. The discovery could now lead the way to genetic blood testing of at risk patients earlier in life, allowing them to decide whether or not to make life-style changes, monitor the situation with regular medical checks, or receive in-depth medical exams. 

Scientists were spurred by epidemiological data suggesting coronary heart disease was associated with elevated frequency of Alzheimer's.

This led to study scientists examining the DNA of 1,800 people of whom 280 had suffered a heart attack, 257 had Alzheimer's and 1307 were 'healthy' in these regards and used as a control group.

Their conclusion, a common genetic predisposition between Alzheimer's and heart attacks was found in 30% of heart attack sufferers and 40% of those affected by Alzheimer's. 

Researchers say genes that control the inflammatory processes and cholesterol metabolism were also connected to both Alzheimer's and heart attacks.

Heart attacks occur when the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. Doctors say this can be caused by clots.  Improving blood flow to your heart as quickly as possible lessens the damage to your heart and increases your chances of surviving a heart attack.

Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) are the most effective ways to open blocked blood vessels and help prevent further heart muscle damage.

The three most common PCI procedures are: 

Angioplasty: a balloon is inflated to open the blood vessel 

Stenting: a small wire tube called a stent is placed in the blood vessel to hold it open 

Atherectomy: a blade or laser cuts through and removes the blockage 

Alzheimer's affects one in five women and one in ten men. 

The Alzheimer's Association says the brain disease causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. It accounts for 50-70% of dementia cases.

According to Federico Licastro, the immunologist who coordinated the study, a private firm in New Mexico that collaborated on the study, is already offering the genetic testing to detect the Alzheimer's/heart attack connection.