New research suggests gut bacteria may be linked to high blood pressure and depression
September 29, 2019
New Orleans, LA – A study of bacteria in the gut identified differences between people with high blood pressure compared to those with high blood pressure plus depression, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions.
“People are ‘meta-organisms’ made up of roughly equal numbers of human cells and bacteria. Gut bacteria ecology interacts with our bodily physiology and brains, which may steer some people towards developing high blood pressure and depression,” said Bruce R. Stevens, Ph.D., lead author of the study and professor of physiology & functional genomics, medicine and psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.
This infographic illustrates the connection between the brain, central nervous system and other organs and how they interact with a person’s gut microbes to show different patterns – from people with high blood pressure plus depression; high blood pressure without depression; depression with healthy blood pressure; or healthy subjects without depression or high blood pressure. (Bruce R. Stevens, Ph.D.)
American Heart Association says Genetically-Modified Probiotic may one day treat Pulmonary Hypertension
September 20, 2016
American Heart Association Meeting Report Abstract 9
Orlando, FL – An oral, genetically-modified strain of the probiotic Lactobacillus was used to treat rats with high blood pressure in the lungs, which resulted in reduced blood pressure, improved heart contractility, and reduced heart wall thickness, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Council on Hypertension 2016 Scientific Sessions.
High blood pressure in the lungs is known as pulmonary hypertension. In pulmonary hypertension, the heart must work harder to pump blood from the heart through the arteries of the lungs, which puts added strain on the heart.
An oral, genetically-modified strain of the probiotic Lactobacillus was used to treat rats with high blood pressure in the lungs, which resulted in reduced blood pressure, improved heart contractility, and reduced heart wall thickness. (American Heart Association)
