A new and possibly life changing discovery was made through a study of gut bacteria and the possible role it has in predicting a heart attack.  Medical Xpress published an article and summarized the study. This new research is suggesting that different types and levels of gut bacteria could be used to treat or diagnose heart conditions.  This study was published online in the FASEB journal, “Intestinal microbiota determine severity of myocardial infarction in rats.” The research was a collaborative effort by many groups and disciplines at The Medical College of Wisconsin.

“New research published online in the FASEB Journal suggests that the types and levels of bacteria in the intestines may be used to predict a person’s likelihood of having a heart attack, and that manipulating these organisms may help reduce heart attack risk. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic tests and therapies that physicians use to prevent and treat heart attacks. In addition, this research suggests that probiotics may be able to protect the heart in patients undergoing heart surgery and angioplasty.“ Read more…