The connection between our modifiable life factors and the risk of developing diseases has been extensively reported. Indeed, our eating patterns, daily activities, exercise, relaxation methods create an algorithm to determine what kind of disease we are most likely to develop. Furthermore, the interaction between our gut microbiota, what we eat, and the metabolic products of specific bacterial strains have been associated as a potent CVD factor. Recent studies support the theory that our gut microbiota, along with comorbidities as obesity and diabetes, affects blood pressure. 

What we know:

The evidence of different animal studies points to the hypothesis that microbiome-derived end products such as trimethylamine N-oxide and short-chain fatty acids, along with the presence of systemic inflammation, affect blood pressure. Consequently, these CVD-related metabolites potentiate the risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia. 

Clinical research results:

In addition, low microbial diversity is present in both hypertensive animal and human model clinical findings. Consequently, human stool sample studies performed on 529 human participants of the CARDIA study determined the following results.

  • High blood pressure and systolic blood pressure were inversely associated with high gut microbiota diversity, richness, and abundance.
  • The community of gut microbiota significantly differs according to the patient’s blood pressure.
  • Hypertension and systolic blood pressure are associated with a particular group of microorganisms and their metabolic end products, such as butyrate.

Following these results, evidence support that one of microbiota’s mechanism to influence blood pressure is the production of propionate, butyrate, and acetate, as found in animal fecal transplantation models. 

Nevertheless, in human models, specifically in pregnant women, the production of butyrate and, therefore, the presence of microorganisms that produce butyrate play a protective role agains high blood pressure.

How to measure and control blood pressure:

According to the NCBI, blood pressure is the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. 

Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heartbeats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heartbeats, when blood pressure is at its lowest).

 

What we do:

In El Paso Functional Medicine, we use the clinically validated BPBIO 320S, which allows us to assess this crucial marker to determine the patient’s risk of developing the cardiometabolic disease. Indeed, with the BPBIO 320S, we can measure the following features. 

Pulse pressure: The numeric difference between systolic pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Pulse rate: The number of heartbeats per minute.

Systolic blood pressure: The amount of pressure in arteries during contraction of the heart.

Diastolic blood pressure: The amount of pressure in arteries during retraction of the heart.

Mean arterial pressure: The mean pressure in arteries during a single cardiac cycle.

Rate pressure product: An accurate indicator of myocardial oxygen demand.

Having these measurements allows us to control and create a personalized treatment to reverse cardiometabolic risk or conditions. Conversely, the integrative Functional Medicine treatment should always focus on restoring gut function. The combination of comprehensive stool testing and constant blood pressure measurements is a great way to assess nutritional, medical treatment. – Ana Paola Rodríguez Arciniega, MS

Bibliography:

Sun, Shan et al. “Gut Microbiota Composition and Blood Pressure.” Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) vol. 73,5 (2019): 998-1006. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.12109

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

 

Online Appointments or Consultations: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

 

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History 

 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

Disclaimers

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Blood Pressure and Gut Microbiota: What we know." is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

What's your reaction?