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The Norwegian Vitamin Trial (NORVIT) of 3,749 patients followed for 3.5 years were given folic acid supplementation. This intervention lowered homocysteine levels by 28%, which was considered to be a cardiovascular disease risk factor, but the results showed an increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and death by 20%, along with a more than a 30% increase in cancer. Those with the highest homocysteine levels suffered the most harm from folic acid supplements8.

Several epidemiological studies relate an increased incidence of coronary artery disease to chronic infections and inflammation. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced a 17-fold increase in oxidized lipids. Increased LDL oxidation during infection and inflammation promotes atherogenesis9.

Exposure to four common pathogens, CMV (cytomegalovirus), Chlamydia pneumoniae (respiratory infections), Helicobacter pylori (ulcers), and hepatitis A (liver disease), increased the risk of cardiovascular disease. CMV infection alone increased the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by 24%. Persons with antibodies to all four pathogens were 41% more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from cardiovascular disease than those with antibodies for zero or one pathogen10.

Patients with aggressive periodontal disease had elevated plasma levels of large, medium, and small VLDL, and small-dense LDL. Previous research indicates people who have predominantly small-dense LDL in their blood are at a three- to six-fold increased risk of heart disease and stroke11.

Coffee may trigger significant increases in cholesterol and LDL levels12. Tea blocks the development of atherosclerosis, reducing atheromas in the aorta by 23%. Aortic cholesterol and triglyceride contents were also 27 to 50% lower, without changing plasma lipid levels13,14. Tea also protects the brain from ischemic damage due to stroke15,16,17.

Data from the 2000 U.S. census indicates that blood lead levels from 20 to 29 mcg/dL were associated with a 39 percent increase in mortality from all causes, a 46% increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, and a 68% increase in mortality due to cancer18. Increased rates of cardiovascular disease were found in mercury exposed workers; and mercury levels in hair predicted the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and were directly associated with the risk of myocardial infarction19,20.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or rofexocib (Vioxx) was associated with higher risk of death and recurrent congestive heart failure21. Increased risk was also found among current users of celecoxib (Celebrex), naproxen, and other conventional nonaspirin NSAIDs. The highest risks were found among new users of all examined drug categories22.

A study involving 32 countries identified dietary links to ischemic and coronary heart disease for age groups over 35. Milk carbohydrates were found to have the highest association to ischemic heart disease for males over 35 and females over 65, with sugar having the highest association for females 35-64. Non fat milk had the highest link to coronary heart disease for males over 45 and females over 75, while for females 65-74, milk carbohydrates and sugar had the highest associations, and for females aged 45-64, sugar had the highest association23.