阅读理解
Researchers found
brushing your teeth three or more times per day is linked with lower risk of
heart failure and atrial fibrillation—a heart condition that causes an
irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.
One possible theory
behind the discovery is that frequent tooth brushing reduces bacteria living in
the pocket between the teeth and gums, preventing it from entering the blood
stream. Existing studies show poor oral hygiene(口腔卫生)
leads to bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation(炎症)
in the body. Inflammation increases the risks of irregular heartbeat and heart
failure, where the heart's ability to pump blood or relax and fill with blood
is weakened.
In their new research,
scientists in South Korea examined the connection between oral hygiene and
occurrence of these two conditions in a series of studies of more than
161,000 participants aged between 40 and 79.
Participants underwent
a routine medical examination between 2003 and 2004 and information was
collected on height, weight, laboratory tests, illnesses, lifestyle, oral
health, and oral hygiene behaviors. During a follow-up of ten and a half years
on average, three percent of participants developed atrial fibrillation and
around five percent developed heart failure.
The lead investigator
of the new study is Tae-Jin Song, a doctor and professor at Mokdong Hospital at
Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, said: "We studied a large
group over a long period, which adds strength to our findings." But he
also noted that the analysis was limited to one country and as an observational
study does not prove causation.
An accompanying
editorial states: "It is certainly too early to recommend tooth brushing
for the prevention of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. While
the role of inflammation in the occurrence of heart and blood vessels' disease
is becoming more and more evident, further studies are needed to explain
strategies of public health importance."
(1)
Which is true about frequent tooth brushing?
A . It reduces the risk of heart failure.
B . It promotes the heart beat faster.
C . It rids the bloodstream of bacteria.
D . It weakens the hearts' ability to pump blood.
(2)
What does the underlined part "these two conditions" in paragraph 3 refer to?
A . Inflammation and bacteria.
B . Heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
C . Oral hygiene and occurrence of heart failure.
D . The heart's ability to pump blood or relax and fill with blood.
(3)
It can be inferred that the outcome of the research .
A . is discouraging.
B . has its limit.
C . has its variety.
D . is unexpected.
(4)
From which is this text probably taken?
A . A magazine.
B . A diary.
C . A guidebook.
D . A novel.
答案: A
B
B
A