Yaz Lawsuit Information

by Steve Fields on July 21st, 2010

Clotting disorders can occur for dozens of reasons, including insufficient mobility, overabundance of clotting factors, and other conditions that increase the likelihood of clot formation. It is thought that Yaz blood clot problems are the result of hormones released into the bloodstream. For the latest Yaz lawsuit information please contact us for a free consultation.

This oral contraceptive contains estrogen, which has long been known to encourage clot formation. It also contains a synthetic progestin hormone called drospirenone. To date, this progestin is used only in Yaz, Yasmin, and the generic equivalent Ocella. Studies have shown estrogen and drospirenone may be major contributors to Yaz and blood clots.

Even though doctors warn women of the risk of abnormal clotting, many women remain unaware of their exposure to life-threatening circumstances. We’ll explore some of the most dangerous Yaz side effects below.

Obstructions In The Deep Veins

There are three types of veins throughout your body: superficial, perforating, and deep veins. Perforating veins serve as bridges between superficial and deep veins. The former drain into the latter.

Yaz blood clots (or, thrombi) that develop in the superficial veins are relatively harmless. They can cause minor swelling, redness, and discomfort, but are unlikely to detach from the wall of the vein. In contrast, clots within the deep veins – a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – are dangerous.

DVT typically occurs in the legs. The clots can obstruct your circulation and damage the one-way valves that help regulate the direction in which your blood flows. This leads to a secondary condition known as post-thrombotic syndrome. There are, however, more serious consequences to Yaz DVT.

The deep veins within your calves and thighs drain into the inferior vena cava. This is a large vein that delivers blood directly to your heart. Whenever you move your legs, your muscles contract, placing pressure upon the deep veins and pumping blood into the inferior vena cava. Unfortunately, this pressure can cause blood clots to break free of the venous wall. This allows them to migrate with your blood toward your heart.

Blocked Pulmonary Arteries

Migrating clots – or, emboli – that travel through the inferior vena cava arrive in the right atrium (i.e. upper chamber) of your heart. From there, they flow into the right ventricle (i.e. lower chamber) before being pumped into your pulmonary arteries. The emboli travel downstream within these arteries until they form an obstruction.

Your pulmonary arteries supply blood to your lungs. If one of these arteries becomes blocked, the portion of lung tissue supplied by it will be deprived of blood, and thus begin to sustain damage. This is called a pulmonary embolism. Depending on the size of the blockage and the amount of time that passes before it is treated, the event can be fatal.

Blocked Coronary Arteries

Your heart is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by your coronary arteries. These arteries extend from your aorta, which receives blood from your heart’s left ventricle. Emboli can access the aorta in two ways. First, they can cross from the right atrium to the left atrium through a hole in the atrial wall. Once they are in the left side of your heart, they can flow into the ventricle and out into the aorta.

Second, emboli may form within the left atrium. This can occur due to certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can be triggered by pulmonary hypertension, a condition caused when blood flow through the pulmonary arteries becomes restricted. The restriction causes the blood pressure within your lungs to rise, potentially setting off an arrhythmia. Here, too, clots can escape the left side of your heart through the ventricle, and enter the aorta. If they migrate into – and block – one of the coronary arteries, you may suffer a heart attack.

Blocked Carotid Arteries

Emboli may bypass the coronary arteries and continue traveling toward your brain. Brain tissue is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by your carotid arteries. An obstruction within one of these arteries will trigger a stroke. The effects happen quickly. Within a few minutes of being starved of oxygen and blood, your brain cells will begin to die. This can lead to several physical and mental impairments, including paralysis, memory loss, language-based difficulties, and loss of motor skills.

Blood clots are dangerous and can lead to life-threatening medical emergencies. If you have suffered abnormal clotting, DVT, pulmonary embolism, or other Yasmin, Ocella or Yaz side effects, you may have the right to file a claim for compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Yaz lawsuit lawyer to discuss your legal options.