Is Our Microbiome a Predictor of Cardiac Risk

Is Our Microbiome a Predictor of Cardiac Risk?

The purpose of this study is to determine a relationship between a person's flora/bacteria in their gut (the intestinal microbiome) and their risk of cardiovascular disease. Investigators will look at inflammatory markers in the blood and also look at the genome of the bacteria in the gut.

Investigators will look at inflammatory markers in the blood and also look at the genome of the bacteria in the gut. This research is being done because Investigators believe that there is a connection between the way food is digested by a person's gut bacteria and the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiovascular disease. The ultimate goal of this research is to eventually determine if changes to the gut bacteria can prevent cardiovascular disease or disease progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

Anyone undergoing cardiac catheterization for suspected coronary artery disease over age 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients currently on long-term antibiotics who cannot stop them for at least 2 weeks prior to providing a stool sample.
2. Patients on chronic laxatives who cannot stop for at least 2 weeks prior to stool collection.
3. Patients on probiotics and cannot stop for 2 weeks prior to giving a stool sample (yogurt is ok).
4. Patients who are unable to provide a stool sample to Mayo Clinic within 24 hours of collection utilizing Fed Ex overnight mail (i.e. people overseas who are unable to provide a sample before leaving the USA.)