iStock_000015269868Medium Heart disease and candida have been shown to go handin-hand sometimes. Candida’s involvement in heart conditions typically includes endocarditis, peritonitis, pericarditis, and myocarditis, but can also include lesser heart problems and manifestations. The primary effect produced by candida on heart tissue is through increased levels of inflammation, as seen in the “-itis” designation of the various conditions mentioned, but may also involve degeneration of tissues due to any of the enzymes produced by fungal candida (SAPs, lipases, phospholipases, etc). While suppression of immune function has traditionally been thought to be a prerequisite, newer research continually shows that not to be the case.
In a 2013 study by researchers in Austria, “Fungal infections including Candida peritonitis (CP) are being observed with increasing frequency in the ICU. We summarize current knowledge on epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic tests and treatment options in the previously immunocompetent patient suffering from CP. Risk factors for developing CP include upper gastrointestinal tract perforation, Candida colonization, tertiary peritonitis, the severity of disease, premorbid conditions, cardiovascular failure, total parenteral nutrition, any drain/line breaching normally sterile barriers, development of peritonitis in the hospital, abdominal surgery and previous antibiotic therapy.” As stated above, the patient had a competent (intact and fully functioning) immune system. The primary risk factor was previous antibiotic therapy. Another study in 2013 by researchers at Harvard University found “Endocarditis is more common in the U.S. than previously believed, and is steadily increasing.” Both studies emphasize the growing threat of candida-related heart diseases.
Another study in 2013 by researchers in China looked at 22 patients with fungal candida endocarditis. The majority of patients observed in this study acquired candida as a result of healthcare-associated treatments that included antibiotic therapy. Death rates in this group were reported at 40.9% of all those infected. While most people are unlikely to end up with severe immunosuppression that would lead to a risk of death, the long-term imbalance and lost productivity from Candida’s inflammatory influence is not always apparent or even considered.
As unchecked antibiotic prescribing by MDs continues to increase, in spite of governmental please and mandates, the number of candida-related heart problems will also increase. Inflammation of the arteries via candida is another area of research that demonstrates Candida’s role in arteriosclerosis, athersclerosis,and other inflammatory processes that can play a role in heart attacks, stroke, and even high blood pressure. Chronic candida problems will cause an increase in age-related imbalances as Candida speeds up the aging process of muscles and tissues.
It’s important to consider the effect of fungal candida with any heart-related issue. An informed patient can help to reduce the number of unnecessary tests and prescriptions that frequently occur when Candida is not considered as a cause. As cited above, the research clearly shows that Candida can play a role in many heart conditions. Correcting fungal Candida imbalances and restoring healthy tissue flora can reverse the growing list of antibiotic-related diseases.
Get started on a healthier life today with Dr. McCombs Candida Plan.