Serotonin May Accelerate Mitral Valve Degeneration, Paving Way for Risk Testing
New multicenter data link reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) activity and SSRI use with faster progression of degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR); animal models show serotonin-related valve thickening, and a 5-HTTLPR long-long genetic variant appears to heighten risk by increasing valve cell response to serotonin and collagen buildup. Findings suggest potential for genetic risk testing to identify patients who may need earlier surgery and point to new therapeutic targets (e.g., HTR2B), while SSRIs remain generally safe for most people.