Hepatitis B, Carotid Atherosclerosis Linked

NEW YORK - Japanese researchers have reportedly found a tie between chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and carotid atherosclerosis.

The team's report, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, details the population-based study. Studying 4,686 men and women aged 22-88, researchers examined a variety of health statistics provided via each patient's general health screening. Patients were examined between August 1994 and May 2001.

Of those studied, 1,294 had carotid artery plaque and 40 were positive for hepatitis B.

The report determined that the link was made within this test group, but further research should continue in countries that have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B infection.

Information from www.givenimaging.com