November 13, 2025, 2:35 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A look at the bacterial composition in the gut might help in the future to detect early warning signs of coronary heart disease. FITBOOK author Friederike Ostermeyer explains the background of a current study and highlights potential opportunities that the new discovery offers for those affected.
Healthy gut, healthy body, healthy mind. More and more studies are discovering connections between the composition of gut bacteria and the development or prevention of diseases. Now, researchers from Seoul have found another clue. According to them, certain bacteria in the gut likely play a role in the widespread coronary heart disease by enhancing inflammation and disrupting metabolism. The study was published in the journal “mSystems.”1
Background and Research Question of the Study
There are many factors that influence the risk of heart diseases, including coronary heart disease. These include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle. The latter has a significant impact on gut flora, which in turn determines our well-being. For this reason, the researchers specifically wanted to find out: Are there differences in the composition of the gut microbiome in people with coronary heart disease compared to healthy individuals? And can clues be found about the individual mechanisms behind it?
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers compared stool samples from 14 people with coronary heart disease (CHD) with samples from 28 healthy individuals. The average age was 53 years, and three of the participants were women. The investigation was conducted using metagenomic sequencing. They examined not only individual bacterial species in the samples but the entire DNA. The researchers found 15 bacterial species that differed significantly between heart patients and healthy individuals. Seven were more common, and eight were less common than in healthy subjects.
New Gut-Heart Connection? The Researchers Discovered Even More
The bacterial strains elevated in heart patients exhibited treacherous properties. For instance, they produced substances that can cause inflammation and vascular constriction. They were overactive in certain negative metabolic processes, while the production of protective fatty acids decreased. Another surprising discovery was that some of the “good” bacteria behaved differently in heart patients. Instead of being beneficial, a slight genetic change also promoted inflammation or contributed to the production of substances that favor the development of arteriosclerosis (pathological change of the arteries due to deposits). The researchers jokingly called this unexpected “second personality” the “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” bacteria. This leaves the big question open: Which strains are truly beneficial?
In the video, cardiologist Dr. Christopher Schneeweis explains coronary heart disease:
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However, much more needs to be clarified. Although the involved microbes have been deciphered, the study does not conclude that the identified gut bacteria cause coronary heart disease. It could also be that they change the microbiome in the first place. Nevertheless, the researchers are sure that the condition of the gut apparently also reflects the condition of the heart. Ideally, analyzing the microbiome could help detect heart risks early. With the help of computer models, they were able to quite accurately identify who had heart disease and who did not.
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Challenges of the Study
Heart protection is a relevant topic of global importance. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. The new study provides insights that go beyond previous work. However, due to the small number of participants and the low proportion of women, coincidences cannot be ruled out. Therefore, larger follow-up studies with different population groups over longer periods are necessary. Additionally, the practical benefit remains unclear. Are they more useful for therapy or prevention, or both? A significant start has been made. It is important that research continues.
Also interesting: What beer does to men’s gut microbiome
What Can Be Taken from the Findings for Everyday Life
A balanced, varied diet with plenty of fiber promotes a healthy gut microbiome and helps keep it from getting out of balance. This includes not only fresh vegetables and whole grains but also fermented foods like kefir or sauerkraut. These provide healthy gut bacteria right along with them. In conclusion, the researchers emphasize that prevention is the best precaution, and everyone has a lot in their own hands to prevent avoidable diseases, including heart diseases. The gut seems to be one of the most important levers for the entire body. Be good to it!