A molecule produced by gut microbes may help spur heart disease

A leftover from microbes’ meals is linked to early heart disease in people

The buildup of plaques in arterial walls, illustrated here, goes on for a while before cardiovascular disease symptoms start. Researchers found a link between levels of a small molecule produced by gut microbes and early disease in people, suggesting it could be a marker.

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A small molecule left over after gut microbes finish digesting your meal may one day provide a new angle for managing cardiovascular disease.