ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Several findings have linked the intestinal microbiota to numerous diseases, including CVD. The metabolism of the intestinal microbiota generates several metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids and, bile acids, with cardiometabolic effects. In this sense, targeting the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites is becoming a promising approach in the prevention and/or treatment of CVD. The possibility of manipulating the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota through the use of probiotics aiming at the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors has been considered. Therefore, this chapter presents scientific evidence about the relationship between the microbiota and CVD as well as the potential of probiotics in modulating the intestinal microbiota with a focus on their effects on CVD-related risk factors.
