Abstract: Objective To investigate the status of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and atherosclerosis risk factors in elderly patients with hypertension, and to investigate the role of Hp infection on the occurrence and development of carotid atherosclerosis in elderly patients with hypertension. Methods The status of Hp infection and the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)], homocysteine(Hcy) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined in 83 elderly patients with hypertension. Ultrasonic inspection was performed, and the subjects were classified according to the status of Hp infection. The results were analyzed statistically. Results Hp infection occurred in 37 cases, and the Hp infection rate was 44.6%. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in Hp positive group was significantly higher than that in Hp negative group (P<0.05). The serologic indices, LDL-C, Lp(a), Hcy and hs-CRP, in Hp positive group were significantly higher than those in Hp negative group(P<0.05). The serum levels of LDL-C, Hcy and hs-CRP in Hp current infection were significantly higher than those in Hp previous infection (P<0.05). Conclusions The Hp infection could be closely related with atherosclerosis, and Hp infection could increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with hypertension.

Key words: Helicobacter pylori, Atherosclerosis, Risk factor, Current infection, Hypertension