Exploring the link between gut bacteria and heart disease risk
Is Our Microbiome a Predictor of Cardiac Risk?
This study is trying to see if changing gut bacteria can help lower the risk of heart disease by looking at how they affect inflammation and blood vessel health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT02013284 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and the risk of coronary artery disease. Researchers will analyze inflammatory markers in the blood and examine the genetic makeup of gut bacteria. The study seeks to understand how gut bacteria influence the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, with the ultimate goal of determining if modifying gut bacteria could help prevent or slow down heart disease progression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 18 years old who are undergoing cardiac catheterization for suspected coronary artery disease.
Not a fit: Patients currently on long-term antibiotics, chronic laxatives, or probiotics may not benefit from this study due to the need for specific gut flora conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease through gut microbiome management.
How similar studies have performed: While the connection between the microbiome and various health conditions is being explored, this specific approach to linking gut bacteria with cardiac risk is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Anyone undergoing cardiac catheterization for suspected coronary artery disease over age 18. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients currently on long-term antibiotics who cannot stop them for at least 2 weeks prior to providing a stool sample. 2. Patients on chronic laxatives who cannot stop for at least 2 weeks prior to stool collection. 3. Patients on probiotics and cannot stop for 2 weeks prior to giving a stool sample (yogurt is ok). 4. Patients who are unable to provide a stool sample to Mayo Clinic within 24 hours of collection utilizing Fed Ex overnight mail (i.e. people overseas who are unable to provide a sample before leaving the USA.)
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amir Lerman, MD — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Anna Pick
- Email: Pick.Anna@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-255-0630
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.