Angiotensin Inhibition and Gastrointestinal Bleeding Prevention in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Authors

Phillip A. Weeks, Department of Pharmacy, Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical CenterFollow

Document Type

Brano Heart Failure Forum Proceedings Paper

Abstract

Gastrointestinal bleeding remains a common complication in advanced heart failure patients following implantation of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices. While the cause is likely multifactorial, development of arterial venous malformations in the gastrointestinal mucosa are a key factor. Inhibition of angiotensin II activity has been postulated to disrupt the signaling that promotes angiogenesis in these patients. We aim to review the theoretical basis for angiotensin receptor blockade, which has been proposed and explore the published evidence regarding this therapy and gastrointestinal bleeding in LVAD patients.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

Recommended Citation

Weeks, Phillip A. (2020) "Angiotensin Inhibition and Gastrointestinal Bleeding Prevention in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices," The VAD Journal: Vol. 6(2) :e2020623 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11589/vad/e2020623

Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/vad/vol6/iss2/3

First Page

e2020623