The Gut Microbiome and Cardiac Arrhythmias.

Background: The relationship between the gut microbiome and overall human health is increasingly recognized. This review discusses new research that outlines pathways and intermediaries that may mediate the interaction between the gut microbiome and cardiac arrhythmias.

Observations: Gut microbial constituents and their products have been shown to influence human physiology, including the cardiovascular system, cardiac arrhythmia, and other disease processes. The effect of the human gut microbiome on cardiovascular diseases may improve understanding of disease pathophysiologic mechanisms and presents opportunities for therapeutic modification of the gut microbiome to positively affect disease outcomes.

Conclusions: Research into the gut microbiome and its overarching impact on the human body is still in its early stages. Continued investigation of its complex relationships may lead to the development of novel therapies and strategies to enhance patient safety.