Introduction
Serotonin is a chemical messenger produced by the cells of specific nerves. The function of serotonin is to pass electrical signals between the nerve cells. Serotonin is found abundantly in the digestive system. It is also found in the blood platelets and the entirety of the CNS or central nervous system. Serotonin is mainly composed of an essential amino acid called tryptophan. This amino acid is present in the body through a diet rich in nuts, legumes, cheese, and red meat.
A deficiency in tryptophan will eventually lead to serotonin deficiency. This results in mood alterations such as depression, panic, and anxiety. Not only this, but serotonin also has an effect on the cardiovascular system, especially the heart. Serotonin is known to escalate the heart rate, increase the contraction forces of the heart chambers, alter the heart rhythm, and cause obstruction in the coronary artery. It has been thoroughly studied that serotonin causes certain cardiac events that hamper the heart's normal function. These events are generally present in teenagers and younger individuals. In addition, serotonin is secreted by the blood platelets. This can have an effect on the cardiac muscles as well as heart walls and valves. Therefore serotonin is one of the factors that may induce heart diseases in the long run.
What Are the Effects of Serotonin on the Heart and the Cardiovascular System?
Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical substance that is vasoactive in nature. It is found in the blood platelets but also in the brain. It is produced in the gastrointestinal system and then smoothly released into the bloodstream. The blood platelets rapidly blend with the serotonin and also store them. Serotonin has an array of influences on the cardiovascular system. The blood vessels are dilated due to the chemical composition of serotonin. Additionally, the blood vessels respond to serotonin in a contractile manner that may lead to some cardiac diseases such as coronary artery disease or heart valve disorders.
The various effects of serotonin on the heart are mentioned below.
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Constriction of the heart vessels.
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Dilation of other coronary arteries.
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Trigger factor for vasoactive mediators in the heart.
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Increased mobility of the gastrointestinal lining.
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Regulation of the sleep pattern.
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Increased thickness of blood.
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Decreased deformability of the red blood cells.
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Increased volume of cardiac stroke.
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Increases pulmonary artery pressure.
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Systemic hypertension.
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Atherosclerosis.
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Coronary artery disease.
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Aortic valvular disease.
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Fibrosis secondary to vascular diseases.
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Increased cardiac output.
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Increased chronotropy and ionotropy.
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Increased platelet aggregation.
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Decreased release of norepinephrine.
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Chronic valvular disease.
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Vasoconstriction of the arterial beds.
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Expansion of angiotensin and histamine receptors.
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Constriction of large arteries.
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Inflammation of the heart valves.
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Vasodilation of large veins.
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Calcification of the heart valves.
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Mitral valvular myxomatous degeneration.
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Heart failure if not treated and diagnosed.
Who Are at a Risk of Developing Serotonin-Induced Heart Disease?
A particular group of individuals has a medical history that pushes them to the brink of developing a heart disorder due to serotonin. However, this is not the case for each and every individual. Mentioned below are some of the conditions of patients, if present, can prove to be a predisposing factor for developing serotonin-induced heart disease.
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Congenital bicuspid aortic valves.
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An episode of myocardial infarction.
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Long-term use of antidepressants.
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Long-term use of anti-anxiety medications.
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Degenerative aortic valve stenosis.
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Progressive valvular disease.
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Myocarditis.
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Septum defect of the heart.
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Aortic regurgitation.
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Neuroendocrine tumor.
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Aortic stenosis.
How to Diagnose Serotonin-Induced Heart Diseases?
There are several diagnostic tools and multiple tests to check if there is the presence of any heart damage or heart condition due to serotonin. Mentioned below are some of the diagnostic measures for the same.
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Transthoracic echocardiography.
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Chest X-ray.
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Electrocardiography.
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24-hour urine examination.
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Physical examination.
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Complete medical history documentation.
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Drug history study and analysis.
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Complete blood picture.
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Stress tests such as treadmill tests.
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Cardiac catheterization.
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Holter monitoring.
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Cardiac computerized tomography scan.
What Are the Symptoms of Serotonin-Induced Heart Disease?
Interaction of serotonin and the cardiovascular system can manifest with an array of signs and symptoms. However, this is not the situation with every individual because there have been studies where patients diagnosed with serotonin-induced heart disease show no signs or symptoms. Mentioned below are some of the clinical manifestations of serotonin-induced heart disease.
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Restlessness.
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Dilated pupils.
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Heavy sweating.
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Confusion.
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Rapid heart rate.
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Decreased cardiac output.
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Tremors.
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Irregular heartbeat.
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Syncope.
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Arrhythmia.
How to Avoid Serotonin-Induced Heart Diseases?
A complete list of medications should be shared with the respective healthcare provider. Any antidepressant medicines should not be administered without the consent and prescription of a professional. One should make sure to discuss all the signs and symptoms they have experienced over the period of time. Any underlying cardiovascular disorder, family history of heart diseases, or cancer should be known to the healthcare provider. Emergency care should be prompt in case of any seriousness of heart symptoms.
How to Treat Serotonin-Induced Heart Disease?
There has been extensive research and study on the usage of serotonin receptor antagonists as a treatment modality for multiple kinds of cardiovascular diseases. The most widely used serotonin antagonist is Ketanserin. Ketanserin blocks the actions of serotonin on the blood vessels, such as vasoconstriction, thus canceling hypertension and other commonly known effects of serotonin. In addition, Ketanserin also has proven to have serotonin antagonist effects within the central nervous system.
Conclusion
Serotonin is a chemical that helps stabilize the mood by substantial effects on the central nervous system. In the long term, serotonin hampers the normal functions of the heart in numerous aspects. It damages crucial elements of the heart that may, in turn, result in various problems throughout the body. The patient should be educated about medications such as antidepressants. Patients should also explain their drug and medical history to their healthcare provider. These are vital for the professional to draft a direct line of treatment.