carcinoid heart problems

Hello! My aunt has been diagnosed with carcinoid syndrome. She went to a doctor because she experienced something that looked like a rash all over her back, then we learned it was something called flushing. She also had persistent diarrhea. I am very worried because I heard that this syndrome may lead to heart problems. Can you please tell me more about it? We already have a heart problems history in our family! Thank you

Yes, about half of the patients who develop carcinoid syndrome develop also carcinoid heart disease. The carcinoid syndrome occurs when carcinoid tumors overproduce substances such as serotonin. This excessive serotonin may lead to injury of the heart valves and impair the heart’s function.