mental health

Hypertension, Depression May Be Linked to Gut Microbiome

Patients with hypertension plus depression may experience differences in gut bacteria compared with those with only hypertension, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions.1

According to the authors of the study, these findings could have future implications for how hypertension is diagnosed and classified.

“We believe we have uncovered new forms of high blood pressure: 'Depressive Hypertension' (high blood pressure with depression), which may be a completely different disease than 'Non-Depressive Hypertension' (high blood pressure without depression), which are each different from 'Non-Hypertensive Depression,’” said lead study author Bruce R. Stevens, PhD, from University of Florida College of Medicine.2

Dr Stevens and colleagues arrived at their conclusion after isolating DNA from gut bacteria from stool samples of 105 participants. Artificial intelligence software was used to analyze the bacteria obtained from stool samples.

Ultimately, the researchers identified 4 different types of bacterial genes and signature molecules, as well as unique blood pressure patterns among participants with hypertension plus depression, hypertension without depression, normotension plus depression, and healthy participants with neither hypertension nor depression.

The results of the study suggest the existence of different medical mechanisms of hypertension that correlate with signature molecules produced by gut bacteria, said Dr Stevens in a press release.2

Furthermore, Dr Stevens added, these findings could also help lead to new treatment approaches for participants with treatment-resistant hypertension, which affects about 20% of individuals with hypertension.2

—Christina Vogt

References:

  1. Stevens BR, Pepine C, Raizada M, Seungbum K, Richards E. Abstract 019: Gut microbiome governs independent risks for hypertension comorbid with depression, hypertension without depression, and depression without hypertension in human subjects [published online September 4, 2019]. Hypertension. https://doi.org/10.1161/hyp.74.suppl_019.
  2. New research suggests gut bacteria may be linked to high blood pressure and depression [press release]. New Orleans, LA. American Heart Association. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-research-suggests-gut-bacteria-may-be-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-depression?preview=335b. September 5, 2019. Accessed September 9, 2019.