Introduction:
The human body consists of many microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These are, in combination, known as microbiota. These microorganisms live in various body parts; most microorganisms are in the gastrointestinal tract. It is called the gut microbiota. The microbiome and heart health are interlinked with each other through various pathways. The process of dietary components through which the microbiome impacts heart health. Dysbiosis (the condition in which the microbial count gets affected due to any disease) in the gut provokes a pro-inflammatory state. The bacterial component in the gut can travel to the bloodstream, activating immune cells and leading to arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Further research is needed to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
What Is a Microbiome?
A microbiome in the human body consists of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The different types of microbial species are present in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiome varies in each individual and gets affected by the factors such as diet, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. A balanced microbiome help maintain the overall health of the individual. The microbiome and the human body are interlinked with each other and get benefit from each other. For example, microorganisms help digest vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It also protects the body from foreign microorganisms.
What Does Human Microbiota Consist Of?
The human microbiota consists of many microorganisms. A large number of microorganisms are found in the gastrointestinal tract. The other body parts where the microorganisms are present include the skin, mouth, and urinary tract. The microorganisms on the skin protect the skin from various pathogens. The bacteria present on the skin are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. The respiratory microbiota is the microorganisms in the nose, throat, and lungs. In the urinary system, bacteria such as Escherichia coli are present.
How the Microbiome Influences Heart Health?
The microbiome influences heart health through many mechanisms, which are as follows:
-
Metabolism of Dietary Factors and Cardiovascular Risk: The microorganisms present in the human gastrointestinal system help in the metabolism of dietary components. The gut microbiome breakdown the carbohydrates the human body fails to digest, leading to the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA provides multiple benefits to heart health by reducing inflammation and lipid metabolism. The microorganisms' imbalance can lead to various metabolic conditions such as dyslipidemia and obesity. These metabolic diseases can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
-
Inflammation and Immune System: The microorganisms' imbalance can provoke the pro-inflammatory state leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases. When the microorganisms invade the bloodstream, the immune system gets activated, promoting inflammation. This can progress the heart diseases such as atherosclerosis (thickened arteries).
-
Blood Pressure Regulation: The microorganisms produce compounds from the dietary components. The trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is released from the choline. When an individual is at high risk of cardiovascular disease, the TMAO component gets activated. These are associated with increased chances of high blood pressure or hypertension.
-
Immune System Modulation: The microorganisms regulate the human immune system. The imbalance of microorganisms can lead to inflammation and immune dysfunction, which automatically cause cardiovascular diseases.
-
Endothelial Function: The microorganisms in the gut affect endothelial function. The endothelial dysfunction can lead to plaque formation in the arteries causing thickened arteries. The condition is called atherosclerosis. This can increase the chances of heart conditions like heart attack and strokes.
-
Cardiac Remodelling and Repair: The microorganisms can help in repairing heart injury.
What Is the Connection Between Microbiome, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Diseases?
The microbiome and inflammation are connected to heart diseases in many ways, which are as follows:
-
Immune System Activation: The microbiome regulates the human immune system. The microorganism imbalance can lead to immune dysfunction. This can cause the heart diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.
-
Dysbiosis and Inflammatory Signaling: The microorganism imbalance can lead to invading of microorganisms into the bloodstream. This can cause chronic systemic inflammation leading to the promotion of heart diseases.
-
Oxidative Stress: The microorganism imbalance and inflammation can damage the blood vessels and endothelial cells. This can lead to the progression of heart disease.
-
Plaque Formation: The inflammation can activate the arteries' immune cells, leading to plaque formation. This will elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How to Promote a Healthy Microbiome for Heart Health?
Promoting healthy microbiome help in maintaining a healthy heart. The strategies which help in promoting a healthy microbiome for a healthy heart are as follows:
-
Eat a Balanced Diet: The individual should take a balanced diet such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins, which will help in maintaining a healthy heart. Food that is fibrous and beneficial for the microbiome in the heart should be included. The plant-based food should be taken, which will help promote microbiome diversity.
-
Increase Fiber Intake: The dietary component is essential to maintain a healthy microbiome. It will maintain bacterial growth, which provides benefits to the gut. This will also help in providing cardiovascular benefits.
-
Limit Added Sugars: Added sugars and processed food increase bacterial growth in the gut, which will cause a negative impact. If an individual reduces the intake of processed foods such as refined grains, beverages, and sugary snacks will take the benefit of improving cardiovascular health. The increase in intake of sugary products increases inflammation.
-
Take Probiotic Supplements: An individual should consult a healthcare professional to take probiotic supplements. These supplements help in maintaining the microbiome balance.
-
Avoid Antibiotic Use: Antibiotic use can affect bacterial growth by killing harmful and beneficial bacteria. It is essential to consult the healthcare provider for antibiotic use to support a healthy microbiome.
-
Manage Stress: Stress affects microbiome growth. The individual should engage in activities that minimize stress, such as meditation, stress, and hobbies like listening to music.
Conclusion:
The microbiome plays a role in maintaining a healthy heart. The microorganism imbalance can lead to the formation of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, strokes, and atherosclerosis. An individual should consult a healthcare provider to maintain diet and antibiotic prescriptions. Food such as a balanced diet and limiting processed foods and sugars can help maintain a healthy microbiome. There is a need for research on preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases.
