Intestinal Microbiota: An Emerging Target for Modifying Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the largest cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Management of risk factors for CVD continues to be the primary prevention strategy to lower the incidence of CVD. One of the foremost challenges to CVD prevention is the rising prevalence of obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) worldwide, which are potent risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. The multifaceted relationship of atherosclerosis, obesity and Type 2 diabetes involves numerous genetic, nutritional, and environmental determinants [1]. Dietary modification is currently the primary preventative approach to reduce incidence of cardiometabolic syndrome with emphasis on low fat, carbohydrate and cholesterol content coupled with caloric restriction. Recent research has shown that dietary phospholipid and carbohydrate metabolism by intestinal microbiota or ‘gut flora’ is involved in cardiometabolic syndrome and CVD [2].