The Link Between Gut Health and Heart Rhythm Disorders
We often think of the heart and gut as two very different parts of our bodies. But in recent years, researchers have discovered interesting ways they are connected and how gut health may play a role in heart rhythm disorders.
It turns out your gut does more than digest food. It communicates with your immune system, helps regulate inflammation, and may even influence how your heart beats. While the science is still emerging, this connection opens new possibilities for understanding arrhythmias and supporting long-term heart health.
Understanding the gut-heart connection
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria known as the gut microbiome. These microbes affect how your body digests food, fights infection, and processes inflammation. When the microbiome gets out of balance, it can lead to chronic inflammation, which can affect the heart’s electrical system.
Some studies have found that people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) have different gut bacteria than those without the condition. Researchers are exploring how certain compounds produced by gut bacteria may influence heart rhythm and whether improving gut health could reduce arrhythmia risk.
The connection isn’t fully understood yet, but one thing is clear: your gut and heart are more connected than we once thought.
What we know so far
We still have a lot to learn about how gut health and arrhythmias interact. Early research suggests inflammation may be the link. A disrupted microbiome can increase systemic inflammation, which is known to affect the heart’s rhythm and electrical pathways.
Researchers have also found that gut bacteria may influence cholesterol levels, specifically LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. Since high cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup and increase cardiovascular risk, gut health may indirectly impact overall heart function and rhythm stability.
Scientists are also looking at whether certain diets, medications, or probiotics could help restore balance in the gut and whether those changes might support better rhythm control. More research is needed, but early findings are promising.
Simple ways to support gut health
Even without a confirmed medical connection, supporting your gut is a good step for your overall health.
The following habits may help promote a healthier microbiome:
- Eat more fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
- Limit added sugars and processed foods, which can disrupt gut balance
- Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut
- Stay hydrated to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly
- Talk to your doctor before starting probiotics or making major dietary changes
These choices support not only digestion but also immune health, inflammation control, and possibly even heart rhythm stability.
Take the next step for your heart health
Heart health is shaped by many factors, and modern research indicates that gut health may be part of the equation, too. If you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia or are experiencing symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue, it is important to work with a cardiologist. While gut health is only one factor, comprehensive care looks at the full picture.
The Heart Rhythm Institute at Oklahoma Heart Hospital offers expert evaluation and advanced care for arrhythmias. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take a proactive step toward a healthier heart.