Carcinoid Heart Disease

Carcinoid Heart Disease

What is carcinoid heart disease?

One of the biggest risks for people with Carcinoid Syndrome is carcinoid heart disease. The symptoms of carcinoid heart disease often resemble those of heart failure.

Up to 50% of people with Carcinoid Syndrome may develop carcinoid heart disease

Up to 50 percent of people with carcinoid syndrome may develop carcinoid heart disease
50% of people may develop CARCINOID heart disease

What causes carcinoid heart disease?

Carcinoid heart disease starts with abnormally high serotonin in the body. Higher levels of serotonin from the tumor causes injury to the valves of the heart.

Common signs and symptoms of carcinoid heart disease include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fibrosis (scarring) of heart valves
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart murmur
  • Fatigue
Remember: It is important that your doctor continues to test your 5-HIAA levels. Monitoring your disease for heart valve damage with an echocardiogram is also recommended.

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