Probiotics and prebiotics in arterial hypertension

Abstract

There is growing evidence that a disturbed microbiota, a complex ecosystem, is associated with the development of numerous diseases, including arterial hypertension. This complex cardiovascular disease is the result of not sufficiently clear role that genetic and environmental factors play in it. Not only does the treatment of hypertension include a drug therapy, but also it includes a variety of non-pharmacological measures based on dietary intervention. Probiotics and prebiotics are besides the nutrition the most commonly used substances that are aimed at maintaining a healthy microbiome or restoring the balance in case of disturbed bacterial homeostasis in disease. Although many studies have confirmed the effects of an imbalance in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) in the last decade, the benefits of dietary intervention with probiotics in people with hypertension need to be supported by stronger evidence and further clinical trials in order to be ultimately confirmed.