A Cleveland Clinic-led study shows a link between elevated blood levels of TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide), a byproduct of gut bacteria digesting nutrients found in red meat and other animal foods, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
A research team led by Robert Kors, MD, analyzed blood samples from more than 5,000 people undergoing heart surgery. The researchers also conducted laboratory studies in cells to better understand how TMAO affects the heart. They found that TMAO produced by gut bacteria changes the heart’s electrical environment, increasing its susceptibility to abnormal rhythms. The survey results are announced today. Clinical Research Journal.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of rhythm disorder that begins in the upper chambers of the heart, and at least 2.7 million Americans live with it. Symptoms include fatigue, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. Risk factors include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and obesity. Medications and procedures such as ablation, which creates scar tissue to improve the functioning of the electrical system, can lower the risk of stroke.
While most current treatments for atrial fibrillation focus on managing the condition, our findings suggest that it may be possible to intervene much earlier through diet. ”
Dr. Robert Coase, MD, Ph.D., senior author and electrophysiologist at the Miller Family Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic
This study builds on more than a decade of research at the Cleveland Clinic on the role of the gut microbiome in cardiovascular health and disease, including the side effects of TMAO. The research team has published numerous studies showing that high TMAO levels are associated with an increased risk of developing both chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, including adverse events such as heart attack and stroke. TMAO testing is now widely available and integrated into clinical practice.
