Plaque from heart disease patients and autopsies of people who died form heart attacks were examined for bacteria, and uncovered some interesting findings. What the findings meanPut simply, “this study establishes a link between infectious disease and heart disease,” says Dr. Ravi. “I would caution people against thinking that antibiotics could cure heart disease or prevent heart attacks,” she says. Your best defense against heart disease is a good offense,” says Dr. Klodas. “Heart disease remains our number one killer, even though it’s almost entirely preventable,” says Dr. Klodas.