Probiotics: A Potential Strategy for Preventing and Managing Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Microbiome Research
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
• Emerging research indicates probiotics may influence key cardiovascular risk factors.
• Understanding the precise role of probiotics in CVD prevention is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific evidence on probiotic consumption and its impact on major cardiovascular risk factors.
• To examine the effects of probiotics in specific populations, including those with hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, and coronary artery disease.
• To identify factors influencing the efficacy of probiotics for cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of human studies.
• Analysis of data on anthropometric measures, inflammation markers, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and endothelial function.
• Evaluation of variability in study results based on probiotic characteristics and participant profiles.

Main Results:

• Probiotic consumption is associated with positive effects on several cardiovascular risk markers.
• Observed benefits include improvements in blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammation.
• Significant variability in outcomes necessitates careful consideration of probiotic type, dosage, and delivery.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics represent a feasible strategy for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.
• Optimal probiotic strain, dosage, duration, delivery vehicle, and sex-specific differences require further investigation.
• Integrating probiotics into a healthy lifestyle may support cardiovascular health.