Microbiome and Probiotics in Cardiovascular Health

Introduction

One of the world's leading causes of death is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Risk factors associated with CVD include, but are not limited to, clinical depression, smoking, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. It is important to note that microorganisms constitute one of the numerous etiological factors in reference to CVD. In the article under review, the authors not only provide a concise assessment of how CVD and the microbiome are associated, but also evaluate probiotic therapy applications.

The Human Microbiome and Cardiovascular Disease

Over time, the role and impact of microbial communities on human health has been intensely investigated. Areas of the human body inhabited by microbial communities include the oral cavity, urinary tract, vagina, skin, and the gut. How the microbiome affects sites that are not proximate to the gut continues to attract the attention of many researchers — particularly in relation to the mammary glands, the reproductive tract, and the brain.

The authors of this article are specifically interested in "the role of the microbiome and probiotic interventions in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease (CVD), a group of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels that supply the heart, brain, and extremities." Although the dysfunctions and symptoms associated with CVD are diverse, the connection between cardiovascular health and microbial activity remains clear.

Microbial Pathogens, Obesity, and CVD Risk

The increasing magnitude of CVD prevalence continues to worry many in the health care community worldwide. This is particularly the case given that, in addition to the pain and suffering it causes patients and their families, CVD effectively overburdens the health care systems of many countries. Towards this end, the relevance of identifying and implementing innovative approaches to the prevention and management of CVD cannot be overstated.

In recent times, the authors observe that various approaches have been designed in an attempt to control infectious microbial pathogens. One such approach involves the utilization of antibiotics. Antibiotics continue to be effective in controlling a range of gut infections, including Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile.

As noted in the introductory section, one of the prominent risk factors for CVD is obesity. According to the authors, the risks that obesity presents for hyperlipidemia, chronic inflammation, and type 2 diabetes are immense, owing to the high energy intake and fat accumulation associated with the condition. These factors predispose individuals to heart failure, cardiac arrest, and coronary heart disease. Towards this end, the authors point out that probiotics have been suggested as a means of correcting microbial maladaptation or imbalance in order to improve health outcomes.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, the authors are of the opinion that, as far as heart failure and related cardiovascular events are concerned, the relevance of probiotics cannot be overstated. In their view, the implementation of combination therapy offers the greatest potential for reducing the cost burden of cardiovascular disease medications while improving patient outcomes.

References

Ettinger, G., MacDonald, K., Reid, G., & Burton, J. P. (2014). The influence of the human microbiome and probiotics on cardiovascular health. Gut Microbes, 5(6), 719–728.