Relationship between microbiota composition and essential hypertension. A narrative review

Abstract

Essential arterial hypertension is a highly prevalent pathology worldwide and is one of the most significant determinants of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, great interest has been generated in the microbiota of the body, and how it is altered by both internal and external factors, causing dysbiosis. Currently, the effect of the microbiota in different diseases is being studied, including the relationship between the microbiota and hypertension. In this article, a review of the literature was made, between 2010 and 2021, with the objective of identify-ing the scientific evidence that supports the relationship between the composition of the microbiota and essential arterial hypertension. It was found in many studies that individuals with high blood pressure had lower microbiota diversity com-pared to healthy control groups. In hypertensive patients, bacteria of the genus Prevotella were mainly found, while in the control group the genus Bacteroidetes predominated. Additionally, a decrease in Faecalibacterium, Roseburia and Bifido-bacterium was observed in the hypertensive group. There are several laboratory techniques for the analysis of the intestinal bacterial population, such as 16S rRNA subunit sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and microbiota metagenomics. Despite the fact that the studies conclude that there is a significant relationship between microbiota and hypertension, it is necessary to do more research in different population groups.