Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use on cardiometabolic health and risk in young healthy individuals: A preliminary matched pairs study

Abstract

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are frequently used to treat psychological disorders, but the comprehensive effects on cardiometabolic health in young healthy populations are not well described. Healthy men and women using SSRIs and sex-, age-, height-, and weight-matched controls were assessed. Anthropometrics, blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness (AS), heart rate variability (HRV), near-infrared vascular occlusion test (NIRS-VOT), and blood lipid profile were assessed, with subsequent Framingham CVD risk score calculation. There were no significant differences in central or peripheral BP or AS due to SSRI use (all, p > 0.39, Cohen's d < 0.48). HRV was not different between groups (all, p > 0.43, Cohen's d < 0.44), except for HFpeak, which was lower in SSRI users (0.20 ± 0.05 vs. 0.28 ± 0.06 Hz, p = 0.04, Cohen's d = 1.26). There were no significant differences in blood lipids (all, p > 0.22, Cohen's d < 0.09) or Framingham risk scores (both, p > 0.68, Cohen's d < 0.14) between groups. There were no significant differences in microvascular reactivity between groups, however, reperfusion slope was lower in SSRI users (1.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1%/s, p = 0.10, Cohen's d = 0.93). SSRIs do not appear to have any significant effects on blood pressure, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, or lipid profile in young healthy individuals but may influence microvascular function.