Is Our Microbiome a Predictor of Cardiac Risk

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 utilizing Fed Ex
overnight mail.

5. Patients who have had previous Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting procedure

6. Patients who have a colostomy

7. Transplant Patients