SSRI/SNRI Therapy is Associated with a Higher Risk of GI Bleed in LVAD Patients

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is common in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Serotonin release from platelets promotes platelet aggregation, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) inhibit the transporter responsible for re-uptake. In the general population, studies have shown an elevated risk of GIB in patients on SSRIs. We investigated if SSRI or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) therapy is associated with an increased risk of GIB and GIB due to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in LVAD patients.