The emerging role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

There is mounting evidence which suggests the involvement of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and associated risk states such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity and dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The current review comprehensively summarizes the various pathogenetic mechanisms of dysbiosis in these conditions and discusses the key therapeutic implications. Further deeper understanding of the pathogenetic links between CVD and gut microbiota dysbiosis can aid in the development of novel microbiota-based targets for the management of CVDs.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Diabetes; Gut microbiota; Hypertension; Obesity; Short-chain fatty acids.