Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
DOI
10.1016/j.ahjo.2025.100687
Publication Title
American Heart Journal Plus: Cardiology Research and Practice
Volume
61
Pages
100687
Abstract
This focused systematic review examines the role of the gut microbiota in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The review explores mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis with CVD via microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine-Noxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which affect inflammation, endothelial function, and lipid metabolism. Interventions including dietary modifications, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and pharmacological agents such as statins, rifaximin, and empagliflozin are evaluated for their impact on microbial composition and cardiovascular outcomes. Probiotic strains and fiber-rich diets demonstrated modest improvements in blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers. Studies revealed that gut microbiome alterations influence drug metabolism and bleeding risk in patients taking oral anticoagulants. Limited evidence suggests that modulation of the microbiota may reduce chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. However, only nine eligible studies met the inclusion criteria, reflecting the early and heterogeneous nature of this research area. Consequently, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. The focused review emphasizes the need for large-scale trials to validate microbiome-targeted strategies in CVD prevention and management. This focused systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251022190).
Rights
© 2025 The Authors.
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Original Publication Citation
Makkieh, Y., Shah, H. H., Imran, S. B., Pathan, S. M. K., Saju, A. C., Majooju, M., Garg, A., Naag, T., Islam, R., Fahima, C., & Ali, R. (2026). The gut-heart axis: Exploring the role of the gut microbiome in cardiovascular health-a focused systematic review. American Heart Journal Plus: Cardiology Research and Practice, 61, Article 100687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahjo.2025.100687
Repository Citation
Makkieh, Yahya; Shah, Haider Hussain; Imran, Sakan Binte; Khan Pathan, Shadman Mahmood Mahmood; Chirayath Saju, Anagha; Majooju, Mounica; Garg, Aastha; Naag, Tarun; Islam, Rabeeul; Fahima, Cheeranthodika; and Ali, Ramsha, "The Gut-Heart Axis: Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cardiovascular Health-A Focused Systematic Review" (2026). Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications. 587.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/ece_fac_pubs/587
ORCID
0000-0002-6271-2359 (Pathan)