The role of microbiome dysbiosis in cardiovascular disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Abstract

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis through systemic inflammation, disrupted lipid metabolism, and proatherogenic metabolites like trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Dysbiosis contributes to increased intestinal permeability, platelet hyperreactivity, and reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), exacerbating cardiovascular risk. Emerging microbiome-targeted therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary interventions, show promise in mitigating CVD. However, challenges remain in translating these findings into clinical practice due to strain-specific effects and interindividual variability. The gut-heart axis represents a transformative avenue for CVD prevention and management, warranting further research to optimize long-term efficacy and safety.