Cardiovascular disease is a silent threat lurking in the lives of millions of Australians, claiming more than 45,000 lives each year and standing as the nation’s second-biggest killer.
Recent scientific advances may soon offer new hope in managing this widespread condition.
Researchers have been investigating surprising connections within the body that could transform how blood pressure and heart health are controlled.
A world-first discovery in the gut
In a groundbreaking study, Melbourne scientists at Monash University have identified a naturally occurring substance in our gut—short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—that could be the key to lowering blood pressure and slashing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.
These SCFAs are produced when the good bacteria in our digestive system break down dietary fibre, and they’ve long been known to play a role in gut health.
But this is the first time researchers have shown their potential to directly impact cardiovascular health.
‘It can benefit everyone who has high blood pressure—that is one in three adult Australians,’ says lead researcher Professor Francine Marque.
That’s a staggering statistic: millions of us could stand to benefit from this simple intervention.
From lab to kitchen table: The power of a shake
The Monash team is now taking their research a step further, developing a shake that delivers these beneficial SCFAs directly to the body.
The idea is simple but powerful—instead of relying solely on antihypertensive tablets, people could one day manage their blood pressure with a daily drink.
Christine Rees, who has lived with heart failure for over 20 years and lost several family members to heart disease, is hopeful.
‘It’s such a normal way of getting blood pressure low rather than an antihypertensive tablet,’ she says. ‘This would be a showstopper.’
Why this matters: The scope of the problem
Cardiovascular disease doesn’t discriminate. It affects men and women, young and old, and is responsible for more deaths in Australia than almost any other cause.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading risk factor, often going unnoticed until it’s too late.
That’s why this research is so exciting: it offers a new, accessible way to help manage a condition that’s often called the ‘silent killer’.
Dr Leticia Camargo, another researcher on the project, highlights the potential impact: ‘That could be really life-changing because hypertension is the leading risk factor.’
How soon could this be available?
The shake is currently in product development at Monash University. If clinical trials go well, it could be available in pharmacies within five years.
That’s not far off—especially when you consider how long it usually takes for medical breakthroughs to reach the public.
A new era in heart health?
If this shake lives up to its promise, it could revolutionise the way we manage blood pressure and prevent heart disease. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come from the simplest ideas—like harnessing the power of our own gut.
We’d love to hear from you: Would you try a daily shake to help manage your blood pressure? Have you or your loved ones been affected by heart disease? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story could help others on their heart health journey.
Also read: Don’t ignore the signs: 3 in 4 Australians with high blood pressure are in the dark
Sounds great, but what are the main ingredients ????
It seems good. I’ll tell you my experience. I was on bp medication for many years but now I am not taking any bp medication. For almost a year when I stopped taking carbohydrates and sugary stuff, my bp was consistently below 120 over 80. There are two reasons why I started taking carbohydrates and some sugary stuff. The reason is weight loss, and I don’t want to lose weight, that makes me look scrawny. Secondly, I don’t want to be the odd one out. Everyone is eating ‘normally’ and I am saying no to this and no to that. When I toe the line, you know what I mean, my bp goes up. I then cut off the ‘culprit ‘ and my bp comes down. So it’s yo yo for me now. Eat normally, bp goes up, eat strictly, bp comes down. This is my ‘routine’ now, and I monitor my bp everyday just to make sure it doesn’t stay high. Interestingly, I was lactose intolerant for almost 40 years. Now I am not. I am 79 years old. Will be 80 in a couple of months.
“ If clinical trials go well, it could be available in pharmacies within five years.”
LOL, If I last another 5 years then yes, I would take it!!