Do we have a heart microbiome? Why this matters for heart disease prevention
For decades, the heart was considered sterile. But recent research tells a different story.
In healthy people, heart tissue contains little to no microbial activity. But in diseased states—like myocarditis, endocarditis, and heart failure—research is detecting bacterial DNA and microbial components from groups like Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria.
How do they get there?
From our gut and mouth. Leaky gut may = leaky heart as the skin barrier is made from the same cell material
When the gut barrier is compromised or permeable (leaky), microbial toxins like LPS (lipopolysaccharide) leak into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation
Oral pathogens, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis (from gum disease), can also enter circulation and embed in vascular plaques or even heart valves
So gut and mouth microbes don’t need to infect the heart directly. Gum disease or gut dysbiosis could be silently reshaping our heart.
The problem is, their toxins and genetic fragments can cause
Chronic inflammation
Endothelial dysfunction
Atherosclerosis
Immune-triggered tissue damage
In people suffering chronic heart failure or after a heart attack, higher levels of LPS and bacterial metabolites like TMAO have been linked to worse outcomes.
Oral health and gut integrity are critical to heart health. This is how to protect the heart
Have good oral hygiene
Support the gut lining
Eat low-inflammatory, fibre-rich, polyphenol-rich foods
Avoid excess sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods
Eat plenty of Omega 3 fats, and/or take a quality EPA/DHA/SPM
Our heart is more than a pump. It's a dynamic organ influenced by our microbes—near and far.