Ocella, Yasmin and Yaz and blood clots have put some women at risk of experiencing dangerous side effects. Some, like deep vein thrombosis, can cause persistent pain and circulation problems. Others, like stroke, can lead to long-term physical and mental impairments. Still others, such as pulmonary embolism and heart attack, can be fatal. Please contact us for the latest Yaz lawsuit update news.
This birth control pill contains two hormones that are responsible for many of the clotting disorders suffered by women. The first, estrogen, is a steroid hormone with a long history of contributing to abnormal clots. The second, drospirenone, is a comparatively new synthetic progestin included in fourth-generation oral contraceptives. It too, increases the risk of clotting. The following are the most severe Yaz blood clot problems.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Venous blood clots can form in superficial veins or deep veins (typically, in the legs). Clots in the former are rarely problematic since they rarely detach from the blood vessel’s lining. Clots in the deep veins, however, are dangerous. This is a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Your deep veins lie buried among groups of muscles. These muscles contract around the veins, squeezing them and sending blood to your heart and lungs. As long as clots remain attached to the venous wall, they present no immediate danger. If a piece of a clot breaks away, however, it will travel with your bloodstream. This exposes you to a risk of pulmonary embolism (discussed below). Litigation is ongoing and there are currently not any Yaz lawsuit settlement amounts to report.
Venous Valve Damage
The direction in which your blood flows within your deep veins is controlled by small one-way valves. These valves help ensure blood moves from your limbs toward your heart and lungs. Without them, blood would pool in your veins.
With DVT, the valves in the legs become damaged and unable to perform their job effectively. This is called post-thrombotic syndrome. Inflammation overwhelms the valves and makes them less capable of preventing blood from pooling. This leads to pain and swelling, and can also cause additional blood clots to form.
Pulmonary Infarction
The main danger of blood clots in the leg veins is the increased risk of pulmonary embolism. Recall that clots can break away from the deep venous lining and travel with your blood to your heart. Blood normally flows from your extremities into the right side of your heart. It is then pumped to your lungs through the pulmonary arteries.
Migrating clots (i.e. emboli) that have traveled to your heart can be carried into one of these arteries. If they form a blockage and prevent blood from reaching your lungs, they can cause lung damage and even tissue death. This is called pulmonary infarction. While uncommon, it is a potential consequence of a severe pulmonary embolism.
Myocardial Infarction
Yaz blood clots can cause a heart attack (i.e. myocardial infarction) if they form within the atrium or ventricle on the left side of your heart. Clot formation within these two chambers can occur due to a sequence of events that begins with DVT.
Small emboli that form a partial blockage in the pulmonary arteries can increase blood pressure in your lungs. This is called pulmonary hypertension. It can lead to atrial fibrillation (Afib), a type of arrhythmia where your atria beat erratically.
Afib can cause blood to pool within the left atrium, which leads to clotting. If a clot breaks away from the left atrium, it can travel through the left ventricle and into your aorta. If it moves into a coronary artery and forms a blockage, you will suffer a heart attack.
Cerebral Infarction
The above sequence of events can also expose you to a stroke. Once a clot leaves your heart and travels into your aorta, it can migrate past your coronary arteries and toward your brain. If it moves into a carotid artery and obstructs blood flow to your brain tissue, you will suffer a stroke.
Strokes are rarely fatal, but can cause severe impairments. From partial paralysis and vision problems, to speech-related impairments and cognitive difficulties, a stroke may dramatically impact your quality of life.
Blood clots are responsible for causing some of the most serious Yasmin, Ocell and Yaz side effects. If you or someone you know has suffered DVT, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke after using this birth control, contact a Yaz class action lawsuit attorney. You may have the right to file a claim for compensation for your injuries.
