The Bacterial, Viral, and Microbiome Contributions in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle behaviors are well-documented, emerging evidence highlights the role of microbial agents in contributing to cardiovascular risk. This narrative review explores the epidemiological evidence linking various microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, to cardiovascular diseases. The review focuses on mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, molecular mimicry, endothelial dysfunction, and direct microbial invasion of cardiovascular tissues. By synthesizing data from recent studies, this paper aims to focus the significance of microbes in the context of cardiovascular health, identify gaps in current knowledge, and suggest directions for future research.