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Unstable angina associated with sertraline
1Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, British Columbia. rsunderji@vanhosp.bc.ca
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|October 29, 1997
Summary
This case report highlights a potential adverse effect of sertraline, a common antidepressant. Chest pain and unstable angina symptoms developed in an elderly patient shortly after starting sertraline treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline are widely prescribed for depression and anxiety.
- Cardiovascular adverse events are rare but serious potential side effects of SSRIs.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old woman with no prior cardiovascular history experienced nausea and malaise after initiating sertraline.
- Upon re-challenge with sertraline, she developed retrosternal chest pain radiating to both arms, consistent with angina.
Findings:
- The patient was hospitalized with unstable angina, with symptom onset temporally linked to sertraline ingestion.
- The adverse drug event was strongly suggested by the recurrent nature of symptoms upon reintroduction of sertraline.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering medication side effects in patients presenting with new-onset chest pain.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for potential cardiovascular adverse reactions to sertraline, especially in elderly patients or those with risk factors.