Yaz Birth Control Side Effects Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on April 7th, 2010

The main catalyst for a heart attack caused by Yasmin, Ocella or Yaz side effects is the formation of abnormal blood clots. These clots form as the result of two hormones contained in these birth control pills: estrogen and drospirenone. A 2009 study published by the British Medical Journal found that oral contraceptives combining these two ingredients pose a 6.3-fold increase in the risk of clotting. This effect potentially exposes millions of women to an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke.

If you have suffered from problems after using these contraceptives please contact us for the latest news regarding your legal options including being part of a Yaz birth control side effects lawsuit. Ocella and Yasmin claims are also being pursued by our law firm for women throughout the United States

Of all the dangerous Yaz side effects, myocardial infarction is one of the least discussed. However, while it is comparatively rare, the event is no less serious. Below, you’ll learn how this condition develops as well as some of the long-term side effects it can produce.

How Yaz Blood Clots Trigger A Heart Attack

Myocardial infarction occurs when oxygen-rich blood is prevented from reaching the heart muscle. This causes a portion of the muscle to die. Within minutes, the lack of oxygen and blood causes irreparable damage, which spreads as time passes.

Oxygenated blood is delivered to the heart through two main coronary arteries and their respective branches of secondary veins. These veins spread across the surface of the myocardium (i.e. heart muscle). In most cases, a heart attack is triggered by a blood clot (also called a thrombus) that lodges within one of the arteries or supporting veins.

Sometimes, the thrombus forms at the site as a result of your body’s natural clotting mechanism. This occurs when an artery or vein is already partially restricted due to a buildup of plaque. This buildup is called an atheroma. If the atheroma ruptures, platelets arrive at the scene to help form a clot and repair the damage. Even though your body naturally begins to dissolve the thrombus, its presence usually sets off a mild heart attack.

With Yasmin blood clots, the problem is different. The thrombi form outside of your body’s normal clotting mechanism, so they are not dissolved effectively. A clot can form elsewhere in the body (e.g. the heart’s left atrium) and travel through the aorta to one of the coronary arteries or secondary blood vessels.

If the thrombus is large enough, it can block the passage of blood to the myocardium on its own. But even a small clot can trigger a heart attack if the artery or blood vessel is already restricted by an atheroma. Moreover, because Yaz and blood clots are not dissolved properly by your body, they can remain at the site longer and cause more extensive damage to your heart.

Side Effects Of Yaz Causing A Heart Attack

The long-term side effects of myocardial infarction are dependent on the size of the arterial or venous blockage and the amount of time that passes before it is treated. Many survivors experience problems related to their heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This impairment is due to scar tissue, which cannot contract. The scar tissue replaces damaged tissue when portions of the heart muscle die.

Another problem involves the heart’s electrical system and by extension, the muscle’s rhythm. Your heartbeat is normally regulated by electrical signals that begin in the right atrium. The signals follow a specific path to trigger contractions in the four chambers. These contractions comprise your heartbeat. In nine out of ten cases, myocardial infarction affects this system, causing arrhythmias.

The formation of Yaz blood clots can lead to many potentially life-threatening medical events. From deep vein thrombosis to pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke to heart attack, this birth control pill poses serious risks. If you or someone you know has suffered any of these dangerous Yaz birth control side effects, find out more about your legal rights. Contact an experienced Yaz class action attorney to discuss your case.