ASSESSMENT OF THE METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE: MODERN DIAGNOSTIC AND THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and represents a major public health challenge. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of the gut microbiota as an important metabolic and regulatory system influencing cardiovascular health. The intestinal microbial ecosystem participates in numerous metabolic processes, including the production of biologically active metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide, short-chain fatty acids, bile acid derivatives, and inflammatory mediators. These compounds can significantly influence vascular endothelial function, lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation, and thrombosis, all of which are central mechanisms in the development and progression of ischemic heart disease. The metabolic activity of gut microbiota is now recognized as a potential biomarker reflecting metabolic and inflammatory disturbances associated with cardiovascular pathology. Alterations in microbial composition and metabolic function may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial ischemia. Consequently, assessing microbial metabolic activity has emerged as an important direction in modern cardiovascular diagnostics and preventive medicine. This theoretical research article analyzes contemporary scientific evidence concerning the relationship between intestinal microbiota metabolism and ischemic heart disease. Particular attention is given to mechanisms through which microbial metabolites influence cardiovascular risk, as well as to modern diagnostic approaches for evaluating microbiota metabolic activity. Statistical observations from international epidemiological studies indicate that dysbiosis and altered microbial metabolite profiles are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and poorer clinical outcomes. Understanding the metabolic role of gut microbiota may open new possibilities for personalized diagnostic strategies and innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating microbial metabolism in patients with ischemic heart disease. The integration of microbiome research into cardiology therefore represents a promising direction for improving early diagnosis, prevention, and management of cardiovascular diseases.