Real-time evaluation of gastrointestinal pH and transit time in patients with essential hypertension

Dietary fibre fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that lower colonic luminal pH, influencing host responses that contribute to blood pressure (BP) regulation. Fibre intake also alters gastrointestinal transit time, which has been linked to hypertension prevalence. Here, we aimed to determine the gastrointestinal pH and transit time in patients with hypertension. Using the SmartPill Motility Testing System, we assessed gastrointestinal pH and transit time in 55 participants with normal and elevated BP measured by ambulatory BP monitoring. Participants with hypertension exhibited a higher colonic minimum pH than those with normal BP. This difference was not explained by antihypertensive medication use or BP control, gastrointestinal transit time, nutrient intake or circulating SCFA levels. These findings suggest a potential relationship between colonic pH profiles and BP regulation, underscoring the need for future research into gut pH dynamics as emerging contributors to cardiovascular disease risk and progression.