Ecology and arteriosclerosis.

Abstract

An ecological theory of arteriosclerosis invokes antirisk factors dependent on infections and parasitic infestations through the medium of immunoglobulins. Dysglobulinemia modifies blood cholesterol, platelet function, hemostasis, and biophysics of the blood in the vessels. This could explain the differences in epidemiology of arteriosclerosis between northern developed countries and tropical countries, and the present frequency of coronary heart disease in developed countries. Arteriosclerosis is conditioned by environmental factors other than diet.