Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011 News

by Steve Fields on December 1st, 2011

Nuvaring side effects involving a pulmonary embolism are usually discussed in the context of damage sustained by the lungs. Starved of blood, the lung tissue begins to die, and be replaced with scar tissue. Because scar tissue cannot oxygenate blood, the event leads to a loss of pulmonary function. If you have suffered from a blood clot or stroke while using this birth control, please contact us for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 news.

While this is a serious complication of a PE, there are other potential problems that can stem from the condition. One of them involves a particular type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (Afib). This is a disorder of the heart in which the two upper chambers (atria) flutter. While some types of arrhythmias are relatively harmless, Afib can be dangerous.

Below, we’ll explain how PE problems can progress to the point at which they eventually trigger atrial fibrillation. We’ll also address the dangers associated with this form of arrhythmia.

When Blood Clots Block The Pulmonary Arteries

Blood clots, or thrombi, that migrate into the arteries of the lungs are often dissolved by the body before they can cause a substantial blockage. This occurs through a process known as fibrinolysis. The thrombus slowly deteriorates as the fibrin strands that support its structure are broken down. If the clot is small enough, this process may completely dissolve it.

Most thrombi are too large to be dissolved quickly enough by the body. Instead, they travel downstream in one of the pulmonary arteries, and cause a partial or full obstruction. This prevents blood from reaching the portion of lung tissue supplied by the vessel. If the blockage is complete, the affected tissue will begin to sustain permanent damage. More commonly, a partial blockage occurs. Blood is able to pass through the narrowed opening of the vessel, but the volume decreases.

Rising Blood Pressure In The Lungs And Heart

Under normal circumstances, the pressure inside the arteries of the lungs is low since blood flows freely to the lung tissue. Because of this, the right ventricle (lower chamber of the heart) tends to have less muscle than the left ventricle. Less pumping force is required to push blood to the lungs than is required to push blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

When one or more thrombi block the pulmonary arteries, the pressure within the vessels rises. It also rises in the right ventricle as the chamber begins to pump more aggressively. This increased pressure is known as hypertension. The ventricle works harder in order push the same amount of blood through the narrowed passage of the occluded artery.

Because more pumping force is needed, the walls of the chamber begin to thicken. The ventricle also grows larger in order to increase the amount of blood it can hold. If these circumstances persist, the rising pressure will eventually cause the chamber to fail. This is known as cor pulmonale, or right-sided heart failure.

Even if the Nuvaring side effects caused by a pulmonary embolism is resolved (through dissolution or removal of the offending clot), the pressure can set off an arrhythmia. One of the most serious is atrial fibrillation.

The Dangers Of Atrial Fibrillation

With Afib, the electrical impulses that cause the atria and ventricles to contract spread through the upper chambers quickly and erratically. As noted earlier, the atria begin to flutter rather than complete their full contractions. This prevents them from pumping blood properly to the ventricles. Some of the blood remains in the atria, and begins to pool. This allows blood clots to form.

Once clots develop in the left atrium, they can break off and leave the heart. If they travel into one of the carotid arteries, they can cause a stroke. For this reason, those suffering from atrial fibrillation are often given anticoagulants to prevent clot formation.

Another danger is that the fluttering atria cause the ventricles to beat too quickly. Over time, this can weaken the heart muscle, and set the stage for heart failure.

Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011 Representation
Problems stemming from a pulmonary embolism can be severe, especially if blood clots in the arteries of the lungs are left unresolved. While death is rare, hypertension and atrial fibrillation can be dangerous. If you have suffered from blood clots, DVT, PE, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact a Nuvaring lawyer to discuss your options.