Inhibition of the serotonin transporter and risk of heart valve disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported

• Effect Size: OR = 2.76

• Primary Outcome: Heart valve disease risk associated with SERT inhibitor use

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Odds ratio suggests 2.76-fold increased risk of heart valve disease with SERT inhibitor exposure

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Clinical screening protocols feasible in primary and specialist care settings using existing echocardiographic infrastructure Relevant to Australian practice given widespread SSRI prescribing; aligns with RACGP guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment and TGA safety monitoring requirements for psychiatric medications Patients prescribed SERT inhibitors, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, or pre-existing valvular abnormalities requiring cardiac monitoring

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The serotonin transporter (SERT) plays an essential role in regulating a wide range of physiological and psychological processes, including neurotransmitter homeostasis, circadian rhythm, sleep regulation, platelet function, immune modulation, mood and emotions. Although SERT was initially studied in the context of neurological and psychiatric disorders, growing evidence highlights how its off-target exogenous inhibition, and the resulting dysregulation of serotonin signaling, can promote valvular interstitial cell proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and fibrosis, thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of heart valve disease (HVD). Despite the increasing interest in the role of SERT in valve biology, mechanistic studies remain limited, and a deeper understanding of the implications of commonly used SERT-targeting drugs in the progression of HVD is still needed. METHODS: In this review, we examine the impact of drug-induced SERT inhibition on HVD, integrating findings from cellular studies, animal models, and clinical data to better understand the risks associated with chronic use of SERT inhibitors. To strengthen the clinical relevance of our review, we also performed a meta-analysis of published clinical studies on SERT-modulating drugs, which revealed a significant association between the use of these medications and increased HVD risk (OR = 2.76). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis supports the implementation of clinical screening for high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or pre-existing valvular abnormalities, prior to serotonergic drug recommendations. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of the role of serotonin and SERT in valvular pathophysiology may guide safer prescribing practices and facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for managing or preventing the progression of HVD.

References

1. 1.Campbell, A., Adamo, A., Bektik, E., Kosuri, Y., Karcher, C., Levine, D., Ramakrishnan, R., Grau, J. B., Levy, R. J., & Ferrari, G. (2026). Inhibition of the serotonin transporter and risk of heart valve disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Pharmacology, Article 178954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2026.178954