Just imagine treating heart artery blockages and heart attacks with inexpensive antibiotics instead of balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery. Maybe someday even totally preventing some types of heart disease with a vaccine.

Does that sound outrageous? Many researchers feel these are real possibilities early in the next century. Consider that just a few years ago scientists found that most stomach ulcers are caused by a common bacteria (not the stressful job or hot, spicy food) and now antibiotics are one of the standard treatments for ulcers.

We are all exposed to bacteria and viruses every day and now evidence is mounting that certain infections may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease. A very common bacteria called Chlamydia (pronounced kla-MID-ee-ah) is currently the focus of many investigators.

Chlamydia frequently causes a respiratory illness with symptoms that are just like the flu. Antibodies to Chlamydia (a sign of recent infection) have been found to be present much more frequently and in higher concentrations in heart attack patients than in healthy people. The Chlamydia organism has actually been grown out of a blockage from a heart patient's artery.

Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics. There are several ongoing studies treating patients with these antibiotics for several months after a heart attack or bypass surgery to see if these patients heal better and have less recurrent heart problems. The answer will be available in a few years.

Viruses, as well as bacteria, can also effect the heart. Weakened heart muscle caused by viruses attacking the heart can be serious enough to require heart transplantation. A virus called CMV has also been implicated in the repeat narrowing of arteries after balloon angioplasty.