Yaz Lawyers

by Steve Fields on April 1st, 2010

Yasmin causing blood clots is one of the dangerous side effects associated with taking this oral contraceptive. But the condition is usually discussed in an “all or nothing” context. That is, doctors warn their patients that Yaz blood clots in the lungs might suddenly trigger PE in the absence of any warning signs. To be sure, this can occur. Blood clots from the deep veins (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) can abruptly block the pulmonary arteries. However, Yaz PE might also build gradually over time, starting with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

If you or a loved one has suffered from Ocella, Yasmin or Yaz side effects please contact one of our Yaz lawyers for a free consultation.

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

At its most basic, PH is defined as an elevated level of pressure within your pulmonary arteries. Blood travels through these arteries from your heart to your lungs. Once blood has been oxygenated by your lungs, it travels back to your heart before being circulated throughout your body. With hypertension, the pulmonary arteries become restricted, though not entirely blocked. Blood can still travel through, but must be pushed by the heart, which requires the organ to work harder than normal. This causes the pressure to rise. In severe cases, you might suffer heart failure.

There are several factors that can contribute to PH, including congenital heart problems, past surgery or medical events (i.e. heart attack), and blood clots. Because Yaz birth control poses a high risk of abnormal clotting, this latter factor is especially relevant.

When clots break away from the venous wall, they can travel to your pulmonary arteries and form a blockage. If an embolus (i.e. migrating blood clot) is large enough, the blockage might completely prevent blood from passing, triggering Yaz pulmonary embolism. However, suppose a clot is relatively small and thus, forms a partial blockage. In this case, blood can still pass, but must be pushed through the restricted opening. While you might not suffer PE, you may still experience pulmonary hypertension.

Pre-Existing Conditions And Yaz Pulmonary Embolism

One of the dangers of PH is that pre-existing diseases may cause the condition and lay the groundwork for an embolus to trigger Yaz pulmonary embolism. For example, a problem with the mitral valve (e.g. stenosis) could cause a pulmonary artery to narrow, thereby restricting the flow of blood. This would raise the pressure within. Even if a small blood clot were to arrive within the restricted artery, it might potentially cause PE.

Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can permanently damage your lung tissue and impair its ability to oxygenate your blood. As a result, the level of oxygen available to your organs declines. A severe lack of oxygen can even damage your other organs.

How Pulmonary Hypertension Is Treated

There are several types of PH and the form of treatment used depends on the type you have. The World Health Organization categorizes hypertension into five distinct groups based on the suspected cause. As noted earlier, the group most relevant for our purposes is that which focuses upon blood clots.

Doctors will usually prescribe blood thinners, such as warfarin and heparin, to lower the likelihood of further clotting. These anticoagulants can prevent additional blood clots from forming while also preventing existing clots from growing larger. Because clots often migrate from the deep veins within the legs, your doctor may also check for DVT.

If DVT exists, a metal filter can be installed in your vena cava (a large vein leading to your heart). The filter will catch emboli as they travel from your lower body to your heart and lungs. By catching them, the vena cava filter can help avert pulmonary embolism.

Hypertension in the pulmonary arteries is rarely life-threatening, but it can potentially lead to heart failure in severe cases. That said, the development of PH is more troubling because it can serve as a precursor to a pulmonary embolism. If you have suffered hypertension, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, or other serious side effects of Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella explore your legal rights. Contact one of our Yaz lawyers to discuss filing a claim.